The Dallas Stars have decided to bring back one of their depth defensemen, today signing Taylor Fedun to a two-year, two-way contract. Fedun was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but will stick around with the Dallas organization through 2020-21. The deal carries a $737.5K annual average value in the NHL.
Fedun, 31, has been a professional for many years but only received his first extended opportunity at the NHL level with Dallas last season. Suiting up for 54 games—more than he had in his previous six pro seasons combined—he finished with 11 points and found himself in a depth role where he averaged just under 14 minutes a night. All of that came after a November trade from the Buffalo Sabres which cost the Stars just a 2020 seventh-round pick, a small price to pay for an NHL regular. That pick though is still higher than Fedun was ever drafted.
Playing in the Albert Junior Hockey league instead of the CHL, Fedun was undrafted and went to Princeton to play hockey and get a mechanical engineering degree. It turns out he wouldn’t need it yet as he has instead carved himself out a nice playing career including some excellent seasons in the minor leagues. While the deal is still a two-way contract that means he earns a different salary at the NHL and AHL level, he secured a $350K minimum in year one and $400K minimum in year two.
Surprised he had to settle for a two way deal. He seemed to step in nicely for them and settle their early revolving door.
Well, JD, you know there’s a picture of Jim Nill with Jim Benning floating around…maybe Nill said “WHOA! I need $$$ for Zucc!!!” (with Benning in the background looking around for that pesky offer sheet with Zucc’s name on it. Me thinks some in Vancouver wonder if he forgot it’s a HARD cap.)