The Dallas Stars signed forward Jiri Hudler to a one-year, $2-million contract on Wednesday, the team announced.
After hitting career highs of 31 goals and 76 points as a member of the Calgary Flames during the 2014-15 season, Hudler regressed last season. The 32-year-old managed only 16 goals and 46 points in 72 games split between the Flames and the Florida Panthers in 2015-16, while also putting up just a single assist in six playoff games.
Despite the step back, general manager Jim Nill feels Hudler still holds significant value, and expects him to slot into the club's top six. He also foresees Hudler making a strong addition to the team's power play.
"Jiri brings a combination of detail, discipline and skill," Nill said in a release.
"He has a championship pedigree and adding him to our group of forwards solidifies our depth up front, giving our coaching staff a number of options and versatility."
The veteran is a solid depth option for a club that already led the league in scoring last season, averaging 3.23 goals per game. If he can rekindle the scoring touch he had the season before last, there's no doubt he'll be one of the biggest bargains of the offseason.
