Stars News and Notes: Robidas signs contract extension

Thursday, October 01, 2009-11:00:pm
/Andrew's Dallas Stars Page                            

Prior to training camp Stephane Robidas told a Quebec newspaper that he was hoping to get a long-term contract extension with the Dallas Stars. Thursday it became reality. The Stars announced they signed Robidas to a four-year, $13.2 million deal.

“We are very happy to sign Stephane to this contract extension,” said Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk. “He has been a rock for this team on the blue line and is a key member of our leadership group. Stephane is a consummate professional who gives us everything he has each night.”

The contract, which runs through 2013-14, kicks in next season and averages $3.3 million per season. Robidas is in the final season of a contract that pays him $1.5 million.

Robidas, 32, is coming off a season that saw him set career highs in assists (23) and tying his career high in points (26). He was tops on the team in hits (221), average ice time (24:32) and led all Dallas defensemen with a plus-ten rating. He played in the 2009 NHL All-Star Game and was invited to Canada's Olympic orientation camp over the summer.

He had an outstanding playoff in 2008 when the Stars advanced to the Western Conference Finals, picking up eleven points (three goals, eight assists) in 18 games while averaging more than 25 minutes per game.

Injury update: Lehtinen practices, Richards sits

Stars forward Jere Lehtinen, who has been out with a hip/groin issue, practiced with the team for the first time this preseason, skating with the team for about 40 minutes Thursday afternoon.

"We're at the point right now with Jere that it is how he feels that dictates how much he is doing," said Stars head coach Marc Crawford. "We're in a wait-and-see because it is how his body is going to react. It will probably [Friday] morning before we know if he'll practice again. If he reacts well and recovers well, then he'll join the team again."

It's still too soon to say whether Lehtinen will be ready to play Saturday.

Richards missed practiced due to soreness in his lower body, but Crawford indicated Richards should be ready to play Saturday.

"We're just being cautious with him today," Crawford said. "I think all things are pointing favorably for him. Like Jere, it will be how he is in the morning. "

One other injury note, the Stars placed left wing Luke Gazdic on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Practice lineup