Nils Lundkvist and Mavrik Bourque each signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Stars on Friday.
Lundkvist, a 24-year-old defenseman, will be paid $1.25 million and Bourque, a 23-year-old center, will make $950,000. Each could have become a restricted free agent on July 1.
Lundkvist was limited to five assists in 39 games for the Stars this season. He did not play after Jan. 21 because of a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery for Dallas, which was eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in five games in the Western Conference Final.
Selected by the New York Rangers with the No. 28 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, Lundkvist has 44 points (nine goals, 35 assists) in 183 regular-season games with the Rangers and Stars. He also has one assist in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
“Nils brings a unique combination of offensive ability and defensive reliability to our lineup,” Dallas general manager Jim Nill told the Stars’ website. “His puck moving skills, vision, and hockey sense are assets that elevate our game in transition. We’re thrilled to have him back and excited to see how he continues to grow and contribute to our success.”
Bourque had 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 73 games as a rookie this season and no points in three playoff games. He was selected by the Stars with the No. 30 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.
“Mavrik is a dynamic and highly-skilled player whose vision and hockey IQ stand out every time he is on the ice,” Nill said. “His ability to create plays and elevate the game is something we value deeply in such a young player. We are excited to have him back and are confident he’ll continue to make a significant impact for our team.”
The deals come one day after the Stars signed center Matt Duchene to a four-year, $18 million contract ($4.5 million average annual value) on Thursday.
Dallas also made a trade Thursday, acquiring a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft from the Seattle Kraken for forward Mason Marchment.
