Dallas Stars sign Curtis McKenzie to a one-year contract extension

The Dallas Stars signed Curtis McKenzie to a one-year, $700,000 contract extension for the 2017-18 season on Friday.

“Nice for sure,” McKenzie said. “This whole year it’s been wondering if or what was going to happen for next season. I was pretty happy when they offered it to me yesterday. So it’s nice to have that in the back pocket for next year.”

It’s a nice reward for McKenzie, and the Stars have now solidified their fourth line for next season two days after signing Adam Cracknell to a one-year extension.

Here is the official release:

FRISCO, Texas – Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the club has signed forward Curtis McKenzie to a one-year, $700,000 contract extension.

McKenzie, 26, has recorded 11 points (4-7=11) in 43 games with Dallas in his first full NHL season. The forward shares third on the Stars with a +7 plus/minus rating this season, while he ranks fourth on the squad with 87 hits in 2016-17.

McKenzie has registered 16 points (8-8=16) and 115 penalty minutes in 82 career regular-season NHL contests over parts of three seasons, all as a member of the Stars. He has also appeared in one career Stanley Cup Playoff contest in 2016, recording four hits and a fighting major.

“Curtis has developed into a strong and tenacious player who has continued to define his role as a valuable member of the team,” said Nill. “A true home-grown player, he has worked hard at all levels within the Stars organization and has earned his way onto the NHL roster.”

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound native of Golden, British Columbia was originally selected by Dallas in the sixth round (159th overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft.