Any uncertainty Cody Eakin may have had heading into 2015-16 has been squashed in advance.
The Dallas Stars extended the impending restricted free agent Friday to a four-year contract worth $15.4 million, according to Dallas Morning News reporter Mike Heika.
Eakin’s current deal, which doesn’t expire until July 2016, carries a $1.9 million salary cap hit. His new pact, which will kick in for 2016-17, has an average annual value of $3.85 million.
“Cody is a well-rounded player and has the versatility to play in a number of roles,” general manager Jim Nill said in a press release.
“He has the ability to shutdown opponent’s top players, win face-offs and kill penalties, all while producing offensively. Cody has been an important part of our team and will continue to be a part of our core for the next five seasons.”
The 24-year-old forward finished tied for fourth on the Stars in 2014-15 with 40 points in 78 games played and came one goal shy of notching his first 20-goal campaign.
Eakin also finished tied for the club lead in game-winning goals (six) and registered career highs in goals, assists and points. The two-way centre played an average of 1:57 per game shorthanded and led the Stars with 1,292 face-offs taken, winning 50.8%.
Following the NHL season, the Winnipeg native represented the Nill-helmed Team Canada at the World Championship, helping the team to a gold medal.
August 28, 2015