DALLAS, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Dallas Stars left wing Jere Lehtinen, coming off his third Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward, signed a four-year contract Thursday.
Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal runs through the 2006-07 season and replaces a contract that was set to expire on June 30, 2004. Lehtinen was set to receive $2.6 million this season.
"We've been able to give long-term commitments to players before, but this signing is a significant one that helps us maintain our stability over the next few seasons," General Manager Doug Armstrong said.
In June, Lehtinen joined former Star Guy Carbonneau and former Stars General Manager Bob Gainey as the only players to win at least three Selke Trophies. A five-time finalist for the award, Lehtinen led Dallas last season with a career-high 31 goals, adding 17 assists in 80 games.
