The Dallas Stars have inked defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to a new two-year contract worth an average annual value (AAV) of $3.25 million. This marks Lyubushkin’s sixth career contract, with none extending beyond two years in duration.
The Dallas Stars have bolstered their defensive lineup with the acquisition of Ilya Lyubushkin, a seasoned defenseman who brings a wealth of experience from recent trades with the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs. Over the past year, Lyubushkin was initially traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Anaheim Ducks before the start of last season. He logged significant ice time with the Ducks, playing 55 games before being moved again to the Maple Leafs at the trade deadline. This marked his second stint with Toronto, where he quickly established himself as a reliable presence on their blue line.
Lyubushkin’s recent contract with the Sabres was a two-year deal worth $2.75 million per year. Despite playing just 19 regular-season games last year, he made an impact with four assists and achieved a career-high average ice time of 17:03 minutes per game during his tenure with the Maple Leafs. His contributions were particularly notable during the playoffs, where he excelled despite Toronto’s eventual elimination by the Boston Bruins in a closely contested seven-game series. Lyubushkin emerged as a key player for the Leafs during the postseason, leading the team in plus-minus with a +4 rating and contributing three assists, which tied for the team-high.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds, Lyubushkin is known for his physical play and defensive prowess, qualities that attracted the attention of Dallas Stars’ management. His ability to kill penalties effectively and his willingness to sacrifice his body by blocking shots and delivering hits make him a valuable addition to any defensive lineup. In the regular season, he averaged two minutes of penalty kill time per game, showcasing his reliability in crucial defensive situations.
The acquisition of Lyubushkin underscores Dallas’s commitment to bolstering their defensive depth and adding size and experience to their roster. As he transitions to his new team, Lyubushkin’s solid defensive skills and playoff experience are expected to make a significant impact in helping the Stars compete at a high level in the upcoming season.
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