VALLEY RANCH, Texas, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The Dallas Stars have re-signed center Niko Kapanen, who led NHL rookies in assists, shorthanded goals, and plus-minus last season.
Financial terms of the one-year contract were not disclosed.
Kapanen, one of three Stars who played all 82 games in 2002-03, had collected five goals and 29 assists. He also had one shorthanded tally and set a franchise rookie record with a plus-25, adding four goals and three assists in 12 playoff contests.
"Niko has shown the ability to become a solid NHL player," said General Manager Doug Armstrong. "We're happy to have him under contract so he can concentrate on getting ready for training camp and having a productive year."
Kapanen, 25, a native of Finland, appeared in the YoungStars Game at All-Star Weekend. He scored his first three NHL goals against future Hall of Famer Patrick Roy in three different games.
