The Dallas Stars continue a busy day with contract for two valued minor league players. The team signed forward Michael Mersch to a two-year, two-way contract and signed defenseman Joel Hanley to a one-year, two-way contract. Salary terms were not disclosed.
The Texas Stars, Dallas’ AHL affiliate, went all the way to the Calder Cup Finals this season before eventually losing at the hands of the Toronto Marlies and are trying to get back there next season. After losing some of their veteran names, the team has replaced them with two useful options. Mersch, 25, is a big-bodied forward that has a knack for putting the puck in the net and recorded 21 goals and 49 points in just 65 games for the Ontario Reign in 2017-18. He’ll be a big presence at the top of the lineup for Texas, but shouldn’t be expected to compete much for a spot with Dallas.
Hanley, 27, is a well established two-way defenseman that will add some more depth to the Texas blue line and allow the organization to focus on development of some of their young players. He’ll likely be asked to cover some of the tough minutes, and let the more dynamic offensive players take advantage of weaker competition.