The Stars have added some veteran depth, announcing the signing of defenseman/winger Mark Pysyk to a one-year deal. The contract will pay him $750K. GM Jim Nill released the following statement about the signing:
Mark is a solid, puck-moving defenseman and gives us another right-handed shot on the backend. We feel that his skillset lends itself to how we ask our defensemen to activate and he will be a good fit.
The 28-year-old has played defense for the majority of his career but was moved up front to the right wing for most of last season. Pysyk certainly made it work as he potted nine goals along with picking up nine assists in 58 games, good for career highs in goals and points. He wasn’t exclusively on the fourth line either as he did play up in the lineup at times and logged nearly 13 minutes per game.
With the Stars, there’s a fit for Pysyk in either role. With Stephen Johns injured for most of the postseason, there could be an opening on the right side of their back end if he’s unable to return to start next season which seems to be the early indication and that’s where they envision Pysyk for now. On the other hand, with right winger Corey Perry a free agent, Pysyk could slide into his spot in the lineup as well. Positional versatility can be very useful in the NHL and as someone that can comfortably play both defense and the wing, he could be an important role player for the defending Western Conference champions.
Sportsnet’s Nick Alberga was first to report that Pysyk was nearing a deal in Dallas.
Hope it work’s out. I think Stephen Johns is done.’