Dallas Stars sign Jamie Oleksiak

The Dallas Stars have signed Jamie Oleksiak to a one-year deal per Stars beat writer Mark Stepneski.

Dallas Stars sign D Jamie Oleksiak to one-year contract.
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) July 9, 2015

The deal is reported to be one year, $875,000 contract for the 6-foot-7 defenseman.

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“Jamie is a young player with great potential who is evolving into a solid all-around defenceman,” general manager Jim Nill said in the team’s press release. “We look forward to him being an important member of our defence moving forward.”

Last season, Oleksiak played in 36 NHL games where he scored 1 goal and 7 assists, while also tallying 82 hits.

The Dallas Stars drafted Oleksiak 14th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. Since being drafted he has played in only 59 NHL games, scoring 10 points.

Next season Oleksiak will have to go through the waivers to be sent down to the AHL. This is a major year in his development as he will spend the season in the NHL, ideally on the ice and not in the press box.

Oleksiak turns 23 in December so this is a vital year for his development. The Stars won’t put him through the waivers because they could lose a valuable trade asset, but if he doesn’t perform up to standards he will not be on the roster.

The Dallas Stars are faced with tough decisions on the blue line. Oleksiak will compete with Jordie Benn and Jyrki Jokipakka for the 6th starting defender position. That doesn’t mention upcoming prospects such as Ludwig Bystrom, Julius Honka, Esa Lindell and Mattias Backman who could bid for a roster spot as soon as this season.

EliteProspects’ scouting report describes Jamie Oleksiak:

"A huge defenseman with terrific reach and strength. Moves very well for a man his size. Has superb agility and athleticism. Oleksiak can deliver thunderous hits and uses his stick effectively to break up passes. He also has good hands and puck skills, which could see him blossom into a very solid two-way defenseman."