Could this $950K deal be Dallas's smartest offseason move?

The Dallas Stars made a quiet move this summer that could pay off big, signing forward Mavrik Bourque to a one-year deal worth $950,000, and some believe it could be the team's smartest decision of the offseason.

Bourque, who won AHL MVP honors with the Texas Stars in 2024, finally carved out a role with Dallas last season, posting 25 points across 73 NHL games while showing flashes of elite playmaking.

The new contract keeps him affordable while giving him a chance to solidify his spot in the bottom six, with potential to climb the lineup.

Dallas general manager Jim Nill has been praised for finding value signings under the salary cap crunch, and Bourque's deal is a prime example of that strategy working again.

Mavrik Bourque's extension shows Dallas trusts its homegrown talent to keep the roster competitive

Speaking to reporters, Nill said:

"He brings skill, energy, and a willingness to adapt to any role. This contract gives him the platform to take another step."

According to NHL.com, the Stars see Bourque as a player capable of growing into a key depth scorer while also handling penalty-kill and special-teams duties.

Even Daily Faceoff noted the deal is a "low-cost, high-reward move" that allows Dallas to stay flexible for bigger signings.

Another team scout added:

"He's a smart, versatile player who doesn't need big minutes to make an impact. That's the type of guy winning teams need."

With the Stars juggling tight cap space and several young players pushing for ice time, Bourque's deal could be one of the shrewdest bets Dallas makes all summer.