NHL Free Agency: Stars sign Pavelski, Perry and Sekera

            The Dallas Stars have signed C/RW Joe Pavelski to a three year, $21 million deal with a $7 million AAV. They have also signed RW Corey Perry and D Andrej Sekera to one year, $1.5 million contracts.

            Pavelski has spent his entire career with the Sharks since they drafted him in the 7th round in 2003. He was their captain, and scored 30 goals five times over 13 seasons. He signs a deal similar to former Sharks teammate Patrick Marleau. The big difference is that Pavelski got $750k a year more than Marleau. Pavelski is aging, but is still a top-notch scorer and a great leader. He can play both center and wing.

            Pavelski, 35, scored 38 goals with 26 assists for 64 points in 75 games for the San Jose Sharks this year. In his NHL career, all in San Jose, Pavelski has scored 355 goals with 406 assists for 761 points in 963 games.

             Perry was bought out by the Ducks, where he has spent his entire NHL career. He won a Rocket Richard trophy when he scored 50 goals in 2010-11. He has scored at least 30 goals six times in his 14 year career, though he has three straight seasons under 20 goals. He will be a good bottom six, gritty winger for the Stars. He had career lows in goals, assists, points and games played this past season.

            Perry, 34, scored six goals with four assists for 10 points in 31 games for the Ducks in 2018-19. In his NHL career, all in Anaheim, Perry has scored 372 goals with 404 assists for 776 points in 988 games.

            Like Perry, Sekera was just bought out by a Pacific Division team, with the Oilers saying goodbye to him. He has dealt with a lot of injuries in his career, especially as of late. The Stars could use a third pairing lefty, as Jamie Oleksiak might be better as a 7th defenseman, and Sekera will play behind Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell.

            Sekera, 33, scored four points, all assists, in 24 games for the Edmonton Oilers this past season. In his NHL career for the Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings, Sekera has scored 45 goals with 191 assists for 236 points in 707 games.