Stars Lock Up Key Defensemen
The Dallas Stars announced on Tuesday that they have signed defenseman Kyle Capobianco to a two‑year, one‑way contract extension worth $850,000 in the first year and $900,000 in the second. The deal follows a breakout season in which Capobianco appeared in 33 NHL games, averaging 12:08 of ice time per contest.
Capobianco, 28, hails from Mississauga, Ontario, and has compiled 17 points in 107 career NHL appearances with the Arizona Coyotes, Winnipeg Jets and the Stars. His consistency was recognized this season when he captured the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL’s most outstanding defenseman, and he also earned a bronze medal with Canada at the 2015 IIHF U18 World Junior Championship.
Joining him, Luke Krys signed a two‑year, two‑way extension after posting 16 points in 40 regular‑season games for the Texas Stars during the 2025‑26 campaign. The 25‑year‑old from Ridgefield, Connecticut, ranked third among Texas blueliners in goals and was tied for fourth in overall scoring, while contributing two points in all five playoff games.
Both contracts underscore the Stars’ intent to retain talent that has helped the franchise remain competitive in the Central Division. General Manager Jim Nill emphasized that the moves provide stability on the back end and allow the team to focus on building around a core that includes veterans and emerging players.
Capobianco’s award‑winning pedigree extends beyond the Shore Award; his bronze‑medal performance at the 2015 U18 tournament highlighted his early international promise, a narrative that continues to shape his development path. Krys, meanwhile, has posted 35 points in 113 AHL games, all with the Texas Stars, and his playoff performances have reinforced the organization’s confidence in his ability to translate that success to the NHL level.