TSN: Stars sign Skrastins

Thursday, July 02, 2009-12:51:pm
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TSN is reporting that the Stars have signed defenseman Karlis Skrastins to a two-year, $2.75 million contract. That's $1.375 per year.

Who the HELL is that? Is he supposed to be our #1 defenseman?

Posted by Andrew  on  07/02  at  01:04 PM

Oh my goodness, no.

The Stars dont really have a “Number One” defenseman.

Maybe Sergei. IF he comes back..

Skrastins is in no way, shape, or form, supposed to be Sergei’s replacement.

This is a defensive depth signing only.

Posted by dane3263  on  07/02  at  01:09 PM

That seems like a lot of money in Dallas Stars terms to be throwing at a depth defenseman…

Posted by andrew  on  07/02  at  01:12 PM

1.375 for a ‘depth’ defenseman isnt that much money IMO.

Number One D-man money is in the 5.5 million to 7 million per year range.

Bouwmeester signed for 6.6 per year.
Niedermayer re-signed for 6 per year.
Pronger makes 6 per year.

second pair D-men seem to make between 3.5 and 4.5 million per year.

Ohlund signed with Tampa for a cap hit of (I think) like 4.5 per year.

1.375 isnt really that much. Skrastins is a 3rd pairing D-man (although, maybe by default alone, a top 4 on the Stars...).

Posted by dane3263  on  07/02  at  01:18 PM

Again, speaking in “Dallas Stars” terms or AKA Tom Hicks has no money… it seems like alot. I thought he ran out of money?

Posted by Andrew  on  07/02  at  01:29 PM

yeah I see what you mean.

Maybe this was the cheapest decent guy they could find..

Posted by dane3263  on  07/02  at  01:32 PM

Sounds like it.

Posted by Andrew  on  07/02  at  01:34 PM

You’ll learn to like Skrastins and appreciate what he does on a nightly basis. He’s a good player. Great shot blocker, good on the PK and a solid defenseman.

Posted by Mark Stepneski  on  07/02  at  01:37 PM

Im all for solid, steady, reliable D-men who work hard and do their job.
Hopefully thats what Skrastins is..

Posted by dane3263  on  07/02  at  01:41 PM

I am really happy with this signing. he blocks a ton of shots and is quite a PKer as well. his skating is good. I have always liked him. for 1.375 (or whatever) a year he is a very good pick up. he is the defensemen that goaltenders LOVE to have in front of them. he is not overly physical, but he can lay a hit and he does not fear clearing that crease (not as great as Fistric does, but good). Perfect guy for Fistric, and Grossman to learn from. can be a steadying partner for Niskanen too. very happy with it.

Posted by Aaron  on  07/02  at  02:15 PM

When one looks at what Scuderi signed for in LA, Skratins’ signing by the Stars is a veritable steal.  Skrastins’ $1.375 million per year vs. Scuderi’s $3.4 million per year is amazing.  Sure, Scuderi is about four years younger, but come on!

LA WAY overpaid.  Wow.

Posted by Drew  on  07/02  at  06:52 PM

Hey Mark,
I recall Skrastins being a great shot blocker in the past, but I never watched him that much.  Is he the kind of guy who can make a kid playing beside him better like Zubov?  I don’t mean “does he play like Zubov” because I know he doesn’t but rather relating to the fact that whoever plays with Zubov in a D pair looks better than they do if not.

Posted by BenS  on  07/02  at  08:33 PM

Ben I know some people who say he made Jay Bouwmeester look a lot better in his own end when the two were paired together in Florida.

Posted by Mark Stepneski  on  07/03  at  12:23 AM

I think if anyone’s expecting him to replace Zubov, they’ll be disappointed.  Getting Skrastins has nothing to do with Zubov except maybe reducing his minutes by a few.

Good depth defenseman, not spectacular.

Posted by Fishster  on  07/04  at  10:41 AM
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