Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 12, 2024 3:51 pm GMT
The Dallas Stars have solidified their defense for the coming years by signing Esa Lindell to a five-year contract extension worth $26.25 million. This decision highlights the team’s dedication to keeping one of their key defensive players in the lineup through the 2029-2030 season.
Contract Details
The recent extension will take effect after Lindell completes the final year of his current six-year deal, which was valued at $34.8 million. The new contract will adjust his average annual salary slightly lower to $5.25 million, down from his previous $5.8 million cap hit.
Key aspects of the contract include:
- Duration: Five years (2024-2029)
- Total Value: $26.25 million
- Annual Cap Hit: $5.25 million
- No-Trade Clause: Limited from 2025 to 2027 and a 20-team no-trade list for the final two years
The extension breaks down by year as follows:
| Season | Base Salary | Signing Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | $4 million | $2.5 million |
| 2026-27 | $4 million | $2.5 million |
| 2027-28 | $4.25 million | $1 million |
| 2028-29 | $4 million | $0 million |
| 2029-30 | $4 million | $0 million |
Lindell’s Career at a Glance
Esa Lindell, hailing from Vantaa, Finland, has been a crucial part of the Dallas Stars since being selected 74th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Since making his NHL debut in 2016, Lindell has participated in 604 games, tallying 49 goals and 142 assists.
Last season, he played all 82 games and finished with five goals and 26 points, contributing a significant average ice time of 24 minutes and 10 seconds per game. His international experience includes representing Finland in notable tournaments, such as:
- Gold medal at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships
- Gold medal at the 2022 IIHF World Championship
A Key Player for the Stars
Lindell stands out as one of the league’s premier stay-at-home defensemen. Despite his 6-foot-3 frame and 220 pounds, he is not known for being a physical force on the ice. Instead, Lindell exhibits strong skating and positional awareness, effectively shutting down opposing attacks while averaging a defensive zone start rate of 62.5% last season.
His statistics reveal:
- Consistent performance: Around 20 points in each of the last three seasons
- Durability: No missed games since 2021-2022
- Defensive prowess: Controlled over 53.7% of expected goals faced
What’s Next for the Stars?
With Lindell secured for the next five years, the Stars are now looking to build upon their defensive lineup as training camp approaches. In particular, there is excitement surrounding the potential pairing opportunities for Lindell, with newly signed players like Mathew Dumba and Ilya Lyubushkin vying for a spot alongside him.
The Stars are also in a stable financial position, with approximately $37.5 million in projected salary cap space for the 2025-2026 season, setting them up for future acquisitions and extensions.
Conclusion
Esa Lindell’s new contract means a lot to the Dallas Stars. He plays an important role in their defense and is a leader both during games and in the locker room. Dallas fans can be excited to see Lindell stick around and help the team work towards winning in the fast-paced NHL.
