The Dallas Stars have began early in retaining one among their a number of forwards heading to unrestricted free company subsequent summer time. Dallas introduced it has signed ahead Sam Steel to a two-year, $4.2M extension which is able to take him by way of the 2026-27 NHL season.
Metal signed a one-year, $850K contract with the Stars on the primary day of free company in 2023 after going non-tendered by the Minnesota Wild. The previous first-round decide responded properly, scoring 9 targets and 24 factors in 77 video games averaging 13:15 of ice time per recreation.
Though his offensive manufacturing doesn’t bounce off the web page, Metal’s work on the defensive aspect of the puck drew some consideration. He had a +10 differential between takeaways and giveaways, placing him in the identical tier as Radek Faksa, Jamie Benn and Jason Robertson.
His 52.0% CorsiFor% solely ranked fifteenth on the crew, however it’s extra spectacular contemplating he began 58.7% of his shifts within the defensive zone. For higher or worse, a few of that has modified this season.
Metal is equally producing stable possession metrics, however his takeaway/giveaway differential has plummeted to -22. Nonetheless, in his protection, that’s true of each participant on the Stars this season.
He’s averaging barely extra offensive manufacturing being on tempo for six targets and 20 factors which has correlated to a gentle 1:30 enhance in common ice time. Given his consistency in Dallas’ lineup and relative youth in comparison with different forwards on the roster, the extension ought to profit Metal and the Stars.
