Dallas Stars re-sign forward Denis Gurianov to two-year, $5.1 million deal

The Dallas Stars confirmed on Thursday that they've signed restricted free-agent forward Denis Gurianov to a two-year contract that runs through the 2021-22 season and carries an annual average value of $2.55 million.

Gurianov, who turned 23 years old in June, recorded 20 goals and nine assists across 64 games until the NHL paused the 2019-20 season on March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic. He led all Dallas players in goals and was tied for second on the team in power-play goals with seven. 

According to ESPN stats, Gurianov ended the pandemic-shortened campaign tied for second among rookies in goals and tied for first, along with four others, with four game-winning goals. Gurianov was second in power-play goals among rookies behind only Victor Olofsson (11) of the Buffalo Sabres. 

Gurianov made his postseason debut during the summer NHL resumption and played in 27 contests as the Stars qualified for the Stanley Cup Final, where they fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. He tallied nine goals and eight assists, including two power-play goals, five power-play assists, and two game-winning goals, during the playoff format. 

In total, Gurianov registered 21 goals and 12 assists for 33 points in his first 86 career regular-season games.