(Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)

The Dallas Stars signed rookie forward Justin Hryckowian to a two-year, $1.9 contract extension that runs through the 2027-28 season.

Hryckowian, 24, could have become a restricted free agent after the season.

He has six goals and seven assists in 42 games this season with a minus-4 rating, 21 penalty minutes, 19 blocks and 66 hits in 12:04 average ice time. He also appeared in five games last season and recorded one assist with a plus-1 rating.

'Justin has been a valuable asset to our team this year and has proven this season that he belongs in the NHL,' Stars general manager Jim Nill said. 'His ability to operate in all facets of our lineup has been crucial to our team maintaining its pace this year despite various injuries. We look forward to watching Justin continue to develop on the ice and as a member of our organization.'

Hryckowian ranks second among NHL rookies with a minimum of 50 draws in faceoff wins at 56% (56 of 100), according to the team.

'He's getting accustomed to the league and he's getting better and better,' Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said last month. 'You can see his growth from Day 1 to now, and most of that growth is in his puck play. He's a little more confident in his play, and that's just going to help us.'

Hryckowian was selected the American Hockey League's most outstanding rookie and was named to the all-rookie team in 2024-25 when he played for Dallas' affiliate, the Texas Stars, and recorded 60 points (22 goals, 38 assists) in 67 games.

He signed with the Stars organization in 2024 as an undrafted free agent out of Northeastern University.

--Field Level Media