Joe Pavelski signs one-year, $5.5 million contract extension to remain with Stars

Pavelski would've been an unrestricted free agent following the 2021-22 season

Veteran center Joe Pavelski has signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract extension to remain with the Dallas Stars. Pavelski was slated to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2021-22 season.

Pavelski currently leads the Stars in points (59), assists (37), and power-play goals (10) and has appeared in all 56 games this season. Pavelski, who was selected to his fourth career All-Star Game earlier this season, 

"We have a great dressing room, and it was important to me, and my family, to show that we are all in," Pavelski said in a press release.

"In his three seasons here, Joe has proven to be one of the strongest, most respected voices in the dressing room, as well as being one of the most consistent performers on the ice," Stars general manager Jim Nill added. "He has played at an All-Star level this season, and by signing this deal now, it is a testament to what he sees in this organization and how this organization values what he brings day-in and day-out. He is a true professional, an incredible leader, and an example to everyone in our organization of what the standard is."

Pavelski joined the Stars back in 2019 when he signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the team. The star forward had spent the first 13 years of his NHL career with the San Jose Sharks after being selected in the seventh round of the 2003 NHL Draft.

Over the course of his 16-year NHL career, the 37-year old has registered 902 points (416 goals and 486 assists) while appearing in 1,142 games.