Lindell signs 5-year, $26.25 million contract with Stars

Defenseman entering final season of current deal could have become unrestricted free agent

Esa Lindell signed a five-year, $26.25 million contract with the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. It has an average annual value of $5.25 million.

The 30-year-old defenseman is entering the final season of a six-year, $34.8 million contract he signed with the Stars on May 16, 2019, and could have become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Lindell had 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) and was plus-17 playing all 82 regular-season games for the Stars last season. He was third on the team in ice time per game (20:28), behind Thomas Harley (21:01) and Miro Heiskanen (24:32), and led Dallas in blocked shots (162). He ranked second in the NHL in short-handed ice time per game (3:32) behind Jared Spurgeon of the Minnesota Wild (3:46).

“I’m super excited to stay here for another five years,” Lindell said. “Kind of the sooner the better (with the contract). Everything worked out smoothly. … Me and my family, we love the city, the organization, the fans. I think everything’s so good here and obviously we have a chance to win, also something that was a big deal in this part. I wanted to stay here. I’m super excited for the season ahead.”

Lindell had five points (three goals, two assists) in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games last season to help the Stars advance to the Western Conference Final for the second straight season.

Selected by Dallas in the third round (No. 74) of the 2012 NHL Draft, Lindell has 191 points (49 goals, 142 assists) in 604 regular-season games, and 22 points (five goals, 17 assists) in 85 playoff games.

“Esa is a stalwart presence on our blue line and has become a player that can be trusted in all situations,” Stars general manager Jim Nill said. “He is a proven penalty killer who logs some of the toughest minutes and defensive assignments. We are excited to have him locked in as part of our defensive core for an additional five seasons.”

Lindell, along with Heiskanen, were among the first six players named to the Finland team for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. The tournament is scheduled for Feb. 12-20 at TD Garden in Boston and Bell Centre in Montreal.

The Stars open the regular season at the Nashville Predators on Oct. 10.