23 Esa Lindell D

Stars' Esa Lindell: Inks six-year extension

Lindell enjoyed his best season as a pro in 2018-19, setting career highs in goals (11) and assists (21) in 82 games while averaging a whopping 24:20 of ice time per contest. The 24-year-old Finn should only continue to improve offensively in 2019-20, but the emergence of Miro Heiskanen and the presence of John Klingberg on the Stars' blue line will cap his upside as a scorer. Lindell will be a solid secondary option in most formats next year, but he shouldn't be viewed as a No.1 defenseman during fantasy drafts.

Stars' Esa Lindell: Nets game-winner

Lindell has posted a goal and three helpers in 11 postseason contests, while adding 25 hits and 29 blocked shots. Lindell had a career-high 32 points in 82 regular-season outings, but hasn't been a consistent point producer in the playoffs.

Stars' Esa Lindell: Finds scoresheet twice in win

One of Lindell's helpers came with Dallas enjoying a 5-on-4 power play. His other came at even strength, with Lindell leading all skaters with 22:28 TOI. The two points were the defenseman's first in his last six games and should give him confidence heading into Game 5, set for Saturday in Nashville.

Stars' Esa Lindell: Rare goal in commanding win

This was Lindell's first tally in 14 games, though the Finn skated to a plus-7 rating over that span to complement 28 hits and 30 blocked shots over 24:06 of ice time. With that much rink run, Lindell's bound to crack the scoresheet every now and then, but the rearguard is starting a career-high 58.7 percent of his 5-on-5 shifts in the defensive zone, limiting his fantasy prospects.

Stars' Esa Lindell: Picks up two more points in win

Both of Lindell's assists -- his 18th and 19th helpers of the season -- were of the primary variety, and they give the defenseman 28 points through 61 games. It's the third time in the month of February that Lindell has found the scoresheet twice in the same game. The 24-year-old led all skaters with 25:08 of ice time Thursday.