One down, Two to go: Nicklas Grossman signs contract
The Stars announced today that Nicklas Grossman has signed a 2 year deal worth $3.25 million.
Here’s the press release from DallasStars.com:
Frisco, TX – Dallas Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk announced today that the hockey club has agreed to terms with defenseman Nicklas Grossman on a two-year contract worth $3.25 million ($1.5 million in 2010-11; $1.75 in 2011-12). This extension puts Grossman under contract through the 2011-12 season.
“We are very happy to sign Nicklas to this new contract,“ said Nieuwendyk. “He is a solid NHL defenseman and is an important part of our young core.”
Grossman, 25, skated in 71 games for Dallas last season, collecting seven assists and 32 penalty minutes. He recorded 150 hits and 100 blocked shots in 2009-10. Grossman posted a career-high +5 rating Oct. 9, 2009 at Calgary.
The Stockholm, Sweden, native has appeared in 222 career NHL games, tallying 26 points (2g, 24a) and 109 penalty minutes. Grossman set new career highs in goals (2), assists (10) and points (12) in 2008-09. He also represented his country at the 2009 World Championships, helping Sweden win the bronze medal.
This is a great signing for Joe Nieuwendyk and the Stars. With many speculating that Grossman may be asking for Niklas Hjalmarsson dollars (4 year $14 million), this contract goes a long way in staying close to the internal budget which leaves extra dollars for James Neal to come to favorable terms. Nieuwendyk may have gotten the home town discount or more likely brought Grossman on board to the idea of a bridge contract.
The Stars have been pushing for these contracts with their core youngsters as they work out the ownership issues and as just an overall organizational philosophy. So many teams at the moment are near or at the cap because they skipped over a bridge contract and went for the lifetime contract. The Stars have watched as some teams have struggled with the long term contracts and how they can handcuff a team’s ability to add free agents, offload bad contracts or trade players. It seems as though the team is wanting to see several solid years of contributions before handing out the high dollars, which is an intelligent and cost effective strategy.
Grossman has been a solid defender in his 3 seasons with the Stars. While he’ll never be challenging for offensive supremacy, Grossman is a responsible defender who can play against the other team’s top line. Last season (71 GP, 0 G, 7 A, 7 Pts, -3), he was not as good statistically as 2008-2009 (81 GP, 2 G, 10 A, 12 Pts, -8) but for a team that saw a lot of decline in +/- ratio, Grossman improved his and did so while playing on the top pair with Stephane Robidas. Grossman is a top penalty killer and is a solid top 4 defenseman. He’ll only get better from here and with the Stars giving him every chance to succeed, there is great potential that he can be an elite shutdown defenseman.
The team is reinforcing that they want Grossman to succeed and rewarding him for his past work. The new contract will give Grossman added responsibilities and expectations that a higher salary brings, while not putting undue pressure or burden on him. A smart move on the part of the Stars. Grossman is a great investment for the Stars and clearly is a part of the future.
“You have to be fast on your feet and adaptive or else a strategy is useless.” Lou Gerstner
