Stars acquire rights to Gonchar from Senators
The Ottawa Senators traded the rights to unrestricted free-agent defenseman Sergei Gonchar to the Dallas Stars on Friday in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
The deal hinges on whether the Stars are able to sign Gonchar to a contract before the draft is held on June 30 in Newark, N.J. His three-year, $16.5 million deal runs out on July 5.
"It was a chance to get a high-character guy who we feel can help our team," new Stars general manager Jim Nill said.
Gonchar, 39, had three goals and 24 assists in 45 regular-season games and six assists in 10 playoff games for the Senators this year. His 27 points ranked second on the team.
"We thank Sergei for his efforts in Ottawa," Senators general manager Bryan Murray said in a statement. "We felt that this trade will give Sergei the opportunity to extend his career in the NHL and we wish him success with the Stars."
The Russian ranks among the top 20 NHL defensemen all time in goals (217), assists (558) and points (775) in 1,177 regular-season games while playing for Washington, Boston, Pittsburgh and the Senators.
