The Dallas Stars inked free-agent defenceman Karlis Skrastins to a two-year, $2.75-million US contract on Thursday.
Skrastins, 34, will make $1.1 million US next season and $1.65 million US in 2010-11.
"We're pleased to have reached an agreement with Karlis Skrastins on a two-year contract," Stars rookie general manager Joe Nieuwendyk said.
Skrastins has totalled 27 goals and 88 points in 679 NHL games since he was drafted in the ninth round (230th overall) by the Nashville Predators in 1998.
The Latvian veteran played 80 games for the Florida Panthers last season, posting four goals and 14 assists for 18 points with a team-high 171 blocked shots.
"He is coming off a solid season," Nieuwendyk said. "And he is a proven NHL veteran that brings durability, experience, leadership, toughness and stability."
Skrastins owns the league record for consecutive games played by a defenceman with 495, set between February 2000 and February 2007.
With files from The Associated PressPat Burns hospitalized
Former NHL coach Pat Burns, stricken with terminal lung cancer, has been admitted to hospital in Florida, according to reports.
Classmate of former NBA ref pleads guilty in betting scandal
A high school classmate of former basketball referee Tim Donaghy has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud the NBA.
Kelowna impresses in Memorial Cup opener
Jamie Benn and Tyler Myers each had a goal and two assists on Friday as the Kelowna Rockets kicked off the 2009 Memorial Cup with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over host Rimouski Oceanic.
Contact Us About Us HomeThursday, September 2nd, 2010