Stars sign RFA forward and key playoff contributor Denis Gurianov to bridge deal

The Dallas Stars took care of an important piece of business on Thursday, locking up RFA forward Denis Gurianov to a two-year bridge deal at just $2.55M per season.

Gurianov was a 1st round draft pick in 2015 (12th overall) by the Stars and had spent the majority of his first three pro seasons in North America cooking at the AHL level with the Texas Stars before making the jump to the NHL in 2018-19, recording just 1 goal and 4 points in 21 games.

The Russian winger really came out of his shell in 2019-20, netting a team-leading 20 goals, and adding 9 assists for 29 points over 64 appearances for the Stars, posting an additional 9 goals and 17 points in 27 playoff games, helping to carry the Stars to the Stanley Cup Finals.

With a little over $4M in available cap space and just restricted free agent Roope Hintz left to sign, GM Jim Nill's crew looks poised to keep the ball rolling in 2020-21 with an almost identical roster to the one that came within a couple of wins of reaching hockey glory in the bubble.

Gurianov figures to see more powerplay time this season after being breathing life into and becoming a fixture on the Stars' second PP unit, which should set the 23-year-old up for a breakout season in 2020-21.

MUST READ

6 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison Forced to Hire Security After Outrage Following Luka Doncic Trade

9 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Former Montreal Canadiens First-Line Centre Hits a New Low: Unable to Sign in the NHL

13 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Vancouver Canucks Trade Defenseman to Conference Rival

13 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Sidney Crosby Injury Update: What It Means for His 4 Nations Face-Off Status

15 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Former First-Round Pick and $28.5 Million Player Placed on Waivers

17 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Canadian Team Reportedly Preparing to Offer Mikko Rantanen Massive Free Agency Deal

18 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Montreal Canadiens Reportedly in Trade Talks for Three Former Top-10 Picks

19 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente UMass Student Wins $10K Half-Court Shot, Controversy Emerges Following Insurance Company's Refusal to Pay

MORE STORIES