(Frisco) Veteran forward Joe Pavelski agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Dallas Stars on Sunday, when he could have become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Thanks to this contract extension, Pavelski will receive a base salary of 3.5 million US dollars during the 2023-24 season. The agreement also includes performance bonuses that could allow him to receive an additional $2 million.
The 38-year-old Pavelski is in his fourth campaign with the Stars and his 17e in the NHL.
Pavelski has appeared in 38 Stars games this season and ranks third on the team with 37 points (12 goals, 25 assists). His plus-23 defensive ratio is the best on the Stars and ranks second in the league.
“Joe continues to prove why he is one of the best players in the NHL, and we are privileged to know that he will be part of our squad for another season,” said general manager Jim Nill.
“He embodies what it means to be a professional hockey player with his approach, both on and off the ice. Joe’s leadership in the locker room is invaluable and the level of respect he has throughout the league speaks volumes about the man he is. »
Pavelski spent the first 13 seasons of his NHL career with the San Jose Sharks before signing a three-year contract with the Stars.
Late last year, after Pavelski was named to the All-Star team for the fourth time, and just before that pact expired, the Stars gave him a 5.5 contract extension. million US for the 2022-23 season.
Since joining the Stars, he has led the team in points (200), assists (122), power play goals (38) and defensive ratio ( plus-62) in his 243 games.
Pavelski appeared in 34 playoff games with the Stars. He had 16 goals and nine assists.