The Dallas Stars announced on Monday afternoon that they have re-signed Finnish forward Roope Hintz to a three-year contract extension worth $9.45 million. The now former RFA’s deal carries an AAV of $3.15 million.
Hintz was the final piece of the defending Western Conference Champions roster left unsigned. As well, the Hintz signing is very likely the final transaction in a busy offseason for the Stars. Dallas put all of their focus this offseason into bringing back assets and interim bench boss Rick Bowness.
The forward skated in 60 games last season and finished the year tied for second on the team with a career high 19 goals along with 14 assists. This gave him a total of 33 points for the season. Hintz also played 25 playoff games, racking up two goals along with 11 assists. That saw him total 13 points.
The Stars drafted the Finland native in the second round of the 2015 NHL Draft. Hintz spent his first three seasons bouncing between the National Hockey League and their affiliate, the Texas Stars.
Hintz finally settled into his role after a call-up to Dallas in late January, 2019. During the remainder of that season, Hintz recorded 17 points, having tallied seven goals along with 10 assists. He then added eight more points in the NHL playoffs, which included five goals.
Hintz adds incredible speed to the team’s roster, and even though he had one of the lowest time on ice averages amongst Dallas forwards, the winger still managed to put up some rather strong numbers in 2019-20. It makes you wonder what his ceiling might be and if his increased ice-time could see him reach that potential.
Moving forward, a contract of this level proves that the Dallas Stars see a lot of potential in Hintz becoming a breakout player with great production and a heightened skillset.