The Dallas Stars have kept one of their dependable utility forwards in the fold, signing Sam Steel to a four-year contract worth $14.8 million on Monday. The deal begins next season and carries a $3.7 million annual cap hit.
Steel, 28, was entering the final stretch of his current arrangement and would have been eligible to reach unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2027. Instead, Dallas has secured him through the next four seasons.
Quick facts
- Sam Steel agreed to a four-year, $14.8 million extension with Dallas.
- The contract starts next season and has a $3.7 million average annual value.
- Steel posted career-best totals of 12 goals, 21 assists and 33 points in 73 games last season.
- He has played three seasons with the Stars.
- Dallas opens the regular season at home against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 2.
The forward’s value has come from his ability to move around the lineup and handle penalty-killing work. Dallas general manager Jim Nill pointed to both traits while announcing the extension.
“We’re very pleased to extend Sam,” Nill said. “His steady play with our club, particularly on the penalty kill, along with his versatility, has made him an important part of the organization. We’re glad to have him signed for the next four years.”
Steel established personal NHL highs across the board during the 2025-26 regular season, finishing with 12 goals, 21 assists and 33 points over 73 appearances. He did not record a point in six postseason games.
The 2016 first-round selection has now built a 491-game NHL resume with the Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild and Stars. Taken No. 30 overall by Anaheim, Steel has collected 61 goals and 114 assists for 175 regular-season points.
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he has three goals and 11 assists in 48 games. Dallas will begin its next regular-season schedule Oct. 2, when the Blues come to town.
