Stars sign defenseman Esa Lindell to 5-year extension with one season left on his current deal

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Stars signed defenseman Esa Lindell to a $26.25 million, five-year contract extension on Tuesday, when he still had a season to go on his current deal.

Lindell is going into the last season of a $34.8 million, six-year contract, and would have been able to become a free agent next offseason. Instead, the new extension averaging $5.25 million a season will take effect with the 2025-26 season and run through 2029-30.

His 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) last season were his most since 32 in 2018-19. He also had a club-high 162 blocked shots while averaging 20:28 of ice time per game as the Stars made it to the Western Conference Final .

“Esa is a stalwart presence on our blueline and has become a player that can be trusted in all situations,” Stars general manager Jim Nill said. “He is a proven penalty killer who logs some of the toughest minutes and defensive assignments.”

The 30-year-old Lindell has skated in all 164 regular-season games the past two seasons. He has 191 points (49 goals and 142 assists) in 604 NHL games, all with the Stars, since his debut in four games at the end of the 2015-16 season.

Dallas opens training camp Thursday.

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