Stars sign defenseman Skrastins

Thursday, July 02, 2009-6:50:pm
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The Dallas Stars made their first move in the free agent market Thursday, signing defensive defenseman Karlis Skrastins to a two-year, $2.75 million contract.

Skrastins, who had been with the Florida Panthers, will get paid $1.1 million in 2009-10 and $1.65 million in 2010-11.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Karlis Skrastins on a two-year contract,” Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said. “He is coming off a solid season with the Florida Panthers, and he is a proven NHL veteran that brings durability, experience, leadership, toughness and stability to our group of defensemen.”

Skrastins, an excellent penalty killer and shot blocker, had four goals and 14 assists in 80 games with the Panthers last season, and led all Florida defenseman with a plus-nine rating.

He's played a total of 679 career NHL games with Nashville, Colorado and Florida. He's also played internationally for Latvia at the Olympics and World Championship.

The signing of Skrastins, who will have a cap of hit of $1.375 million, puts the Stars at about $46 million in cap costs with 19 likely roster players under contract. His $1.1 million in salary this coming season puts the Stars at about $42 million in actual payroll. 

Karlis Skrastins
Vital Info
Born:  July 9, 1974 in Riga, Latvia
Height/Weight: 6-1/210 pounds
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
Acquired: Signed to a two-year, $2.75 million contract on July 2, 2009
2008-09
Had four goals, 14 assists and a plus-nine rating in 80 games with the Florida Panthers. His plus-nine rating was tops among Florida defensemen.
Background
Acquired by Florida along with a third round draft pick for defenseman Ruslan Salei in February 2008. ... In 2006-07 he broke the NHL record for consecutive games played by a defenseman when he appeared in his 487th straight game Feb. 8 vs. Atlanta…Eclipsed the previous mark of 486 games set by Tim Horton with the Maple Leafs from 1961-68…Skrastins’ streak ended at 495 games when he was held out of the lineup Feb. 25 at Anaheim due to a knee injury. ... Played in all five games for Latvia at the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy, recording one assist. ... Nashville Predators traded Karlis Skrastins to the Colorado Avalanche for future considerations in June 2003. ... Was Latvia’s leading scorer with six points (3-3) in six games at the 2003 IIHF World Championship in Finland. ... Drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 9th round (230th overall) in 1998.
Scouting Report
Solid stay-at-home defenseman, who is very consistent, reliable and can log substantial minutes. He'll take the body and is one of the better shot blockers in the game. Excellent penalty killer. Very durable player who has missed little playing time due to injury throughout his career. Excellent work ethic and attitude. Provides good veteran leadership.
NHL Career Stats
Year Team GP G A Pts +/- PIM PPG SHG SOG S%
1998-99 Nashville Predators 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
1999-00 Nashville Predators 59 5 6 11 -7 20 1 0 51 9.8
2000-01 Nashville Predators 82 1 11 12 -12 30 0 0 66 1.5
2001-02 Nashville Predators 82 4 13 17 -12 36 0 0 84 4.8
2002-03 Nashville Predators 82 3 10 13 -18 44 0 1 86 3.5
2003-04 Colorado Avalanche 82 5 8 13 18 26 0 1 102 4.9
2005-06 Colorado Avalanche 82 3 11 14 -7 65 0 2 58 5.2
2006-07 Colorado Avalanche 68 0 11 11 0 30 0 0 65 0.0
2007-08 Colorado Avalanche 43 1 3 4 -2 20 0 0 34 2.9
2007-08 Florida Panthers 17 1 0 1 -9 12 0 0 11 9.1
2008-09 Florida Panthers 80 4 14 18 9 30 0 0 55 7.3
NHL Totals   679 27 88 115 -40 313 1 4 612 4.4