Dallas Stars Free Agency: Dan Hamhuis Signs With Nashville Predators

The Dallas Stars cut ties with all of their UFAs on July 1, 2018, but not all of them landed on their feet immediately. Dan Hamhuis went over three weeks without a new contract. But on Wednesday morning, he got his deal.

Dan Hamhuis spent the past two years of his career playing for the Dallas Stars. But for the two seasons ahead, he’ll be in a constant battle against the Stars.

On Wednesday morning, the Nashville Predators announced that they had signed the defenseman to a contract. The deal, which is for two years and carries an AAV of $1.25 million, came a little later than most expected.

When the 2018 free agency frenzy opened up on July 1, Hamhuis seemed to be one of the top defensive UFA options on the market. After a solid 2017-18 showing with the Dallas Stars, the 35-year-old was in search of a new deal to give him one last chance at competing for the Stanley Cup before calling it a career.

It’s probable that the Stars at least considered bringing Hamhuis back on a new contract. The veteran defender had already talked one-on-one with new head coach Jim Montgomery and was seen as an affordable option where Dallas already knew what they were getting. And with the overwhelmingly young defensive group forming on the Stars’ blue line, any veteran help would be welcomed.

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But on July 1, the Dallas Stars went in a different direction, signing right-handed defenseman Roman Polak to a one-year contract. It was a cheap deal for a weathered defender and eliminated any chance of Dallas bringing Hamhuis back.

With that, Hamhuis entered free agency in search of another home where he could compete. His extensive resume and fairly consistent 2017-18 performance made him out to be one of the ideal options for a team looking to add depth and experience to their blue line.

But while four of the Stars’ six UFAs signed new deals on July 1, Hamhuis and goaltender Kari Lehtonen waited. And while Lehtonen is still on the market, looking for a new gig, Hamhuis is now locked in with Nashville for two years.

In his two years with the Stars, Hamhuis showed all the signs of being a capable leader and producer on defense that could play anywhere in the lineup. He skated top minutes with John Klingberg as well as playing a depth role alongside Greg Pateryn or Stephen Johns during his two seasons in Dallas.

He isn’t known for his offensive talent, but instead for his ability to play a smart and solid two-way game. His 24 points ranked third among Dallas defenders last season and his possession numbers were respectable. He can also play big minutes (he averaged 20:11 this past season), is an effective penalty killer, and moves the puck well.