Unrestricted free agent defenseman Dan Hamhuis has been signed by the Dallas Stars to a two-year contract worth $7.5 million. Hamhuis was listed at #2 on LWOS Hockey’s list of the top 10 available UFA defensemen.
Hamhuis to DAL. 2 years at $7.5M. Better state taxes
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2016
Dan Hamhuis Signs With Dallas Stars
Hamhuis’ bread and butter thus far in his career has been his dominant defensive zone play, with a modicum of offense thrown into the mix. He showed flashes of that shutdown presence early in his career with the Nashville Predators and really flourished after signing as a free agent with the Vancouver Canucks. He played a massive role in the Canucks run to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final and also made the 2014 Canadian Olympic team off the back of his stellar own zone play, helping Team Canada win a gold medal.
Internationally, in addition to 2014 Olympic gold, Hamhuis has also brought home a silver (2002) and a bronze (2001) from the World Juniors, as well as two golds at the World Championships (2007 and 2015).
Hamhuis has taken a slight step back over the last two seasons, though he has been hit by injuries, including a grisly broken jaw, and a Vancouver squad slowly crumbling around him. The question is, how much does Hamhuis have left to give? Have the last two seasons been an aberration caused by uncontrollable factors, or is he truly on the decline?
The Stars hoping Hamhuis has enough gas left in the tank to stabilize their blueline and bring a steady veteran presence.
The 33-year-old Hamhuis had just completed a six-year deal with the Canucks with a salary cap hit of $4.5 million.
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