The Dallas Stars have re-signed defenseman Mattias Backman to a one-year deal, the team announced Thursday. While the team didn’t announce the financial details of the contract, General Fanager reports that it’s a $750,000, two-way deal with $170,000 guaranteed.
The 23-year-old was a part of the Erik Cole trade with the Detroit Red Wings that saw the Stars acquire Mattias Janmark, Backman and a 2nd round draft pick.
This season, Backman played his first full season in the AHL, lacing up in 69 games with the AHL Stars, where he put up eight goals and 32 points. He’s got some good size and a familiarity with guys in the NHL, having skated with both John Klingberg and Patrik Nemeth for Team Sweden at the World Junior Championship.
How Backman will fit into the Stars plans next season remains to be seen. Defense will be an area of focus for general manager Jim Nill during the offseason. Defensive depth was a weak spot for the team and they must make decisions on Alex Goligoski, Jason Demers, Kris Russell and Jordie Benn, who are all set to become unrestricted free agents.
