The Dallas Stars announced today that they have signed forward Joe Pavelski to a three-year contract worth $21 million ($7 million AAV). Pavelski, who plays center, tallied 38 goals and 26 assists in 75 games this season. He added four goals and five assists in 13 playoff games. Drafted in the seventh round (205th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks, Pavelski is leaving the only organization he has ever known over his 13-season NHL career. This contract is a raise AAV-wise from his previous one, which paid him $30 million over five years ($6 million AAV).
Lydia’s Reaction: I can’t believe Pavelski actually left the Sharks. The Sharks are my favorite Western team, and I’m really sad to see him go. My feelings on the contract aside, the Stars are getting one hell of a guy, on and off the ice. $7 million is perhaps a bit high given he’s 35, but I don’t think Pavelski will decline as much as Marleau did for the Leafs. He tied his career-high in goals this year, which is something that should excite Stars fans. He has 355 goals and 406 assists in 963 career games and has far exceeded any expectation he had when the Sharks drafted him. He will give the Stars an excellent one-two punch down the middle for as he’ll likely slot in behind Tyler Seguin, but as good as he’ll be for them on the ice, he may be even better off the ice. He’s been captain of the Sharks for the past four seasons and he did his job extremely well. Many of his now-former Sharks teammates said the thing they will miss the most is just having him around the room. Pavelski was a big part of the veteran leadership core on the Sharks team and is an excellent addition to a locker room that has had its fair share of issues in the past. The Sharks were always a close team, and he should be able to help the Stars get closer and help some players check their egos at the door. If the Stars can do that, they could be a really good team this year. Overall, I think this is a good signing for the Stars, and while the AAV seems a little high given his age, it’s for a relatively short term. The Stars should have enough room to resign their good young players over the next few seasons if the cap increases by more than it has the past few seasons, most importantly Miro Heiskanen. I don’t think they’ll regret this deal, but I must say, it’ll be really weird to see Pavs in green instead of teal
Stephen’s Reaction: Dallas is going to have a deadly top six. Pavelski is a dynamic player who can play anywhere on a forward line, and that is what makes him so versatile. $7 million for him is a steal and this was probably one of the best contracts signed on day one. He will be a great asset to the Stars and they will probably become a playoff team if and only if, Bishop stays sharp like last season. I don’t want it to seem like I am copying Lydia so that’s why I don’t have to much to say but my final thought on the whole thing is just imagine this, Benn-Seguin-Pavelski.
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