Sam Steel, a six-year NHL forward, has re-signed a one-year contract extension with the Dallas Stars. The new deal comes after two productive seasons in the NHL.
Hearing Sam Steel is staying with #TexasHockey, expected to re-sign for 1 year x $1.2 million after not receiving a QO today.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2024
Early Success Leads to Sam Steel’s New Deal
Steel saw success early in his playing career. After being drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the first-round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Steel was awarded the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as the Western Hockey League’s “Player of the Year.” The next season, Steel would be awarded the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as the Memorial Cup’s MVP.
NHL Debut
Steel made his NHL debut in the 2018-19 season. Steel scored six goals in 22 games with the Ducks. The 2019-20 season would be Steel’s first full NHL season. In 65 games, Steel registered 22 points. That would be the most Steel would record in his time with the Ducks
Two Teams In Two Years
Steel would sign a one-year contract with the Minnesota Wild for the 2022-23 season. Steel set a career high in goals with ten and in points with 28. Despite a career year, the Wild were unable to tender a qualifying offer due to cap restraints. Steel was released and entered the free agent pool. Steel signed with the Dallas Stars for the 2023-24 season. Following a breakout season, Steel put up similar numbers as he had done with the Wild. He did not quite match his career high, but he did well enough to prove his breakout season was not a flute.
Steel’s Career Is Trending Upward
After productive seasons the last two years, it would seem Steel has settled into the NHL level. Now, with this extension, it seems there is some comfort between the Stars and Steel. If the player Steel has been the last two years is the player he will be the rest of his career, then he would be a solid forward on any team’s top-nine. Time will tell if Steel has more to offer, but it would seem his career is only trending upward.
Main Photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
