It looks like Sergei Gonchar not only will be sticking around in the NHL, he’s going to be well-compensated for doing so.
TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the Dallas Stars, who acquired Gonchar’s rights yesterday, will sign the 39 year-old defenseman to a two-year contract worth $10 million.
It was just a couple days ago there was a report Gonchar would head to the KHL to finish out his career there, but when a team comes calling with a huge offer like this, you can’t blame him for sticking around where he’s had success of late with the Ottawa Senators.
Gonchar had three goals and 24 assists this season for Ottawa and helped the Sens to the second-round of the playoffs. Even at 39 years-old he was averaging over 23 minutes per-game on ice. In Dallas he’ll join up with a host of young defensemen like Brenden Dillon, Jamie Oleksiak, and Philip Larsen to help them learn the ropes.
Perhaps the happiest guy out there about this signing? 36 year-old former Islanders captain, and unrestricted free agent, Mark Streit.
Update (3:30 p.m. ET): The Stars confirm Gonchar’s signing.