Stars Re-Sign UFA Winger Ray Sawada

Ray Sawada in the 2011 Calder Cup playoffs. (Credit: Ron Byrd)
The Dallas Stars announced today that they have re-signed winger Ray Sawada to a one-year, two-way deal. Free agent signings have slowed down in the last few days as the availablity of both players and roster spots has dwindled. Sawada will likely be with Texas unless he can break through onto the Dallas roster, which may be difficult given the talent at that level. However, as the release below notes, Sawada had career highs in goals, assists and point this past season.
The Dallas Stars announced today that the club has agreed to terms with forward Raymond Sawada on a one-year, two-way contract.

The 6-2, 207-pound right wing from Richmond, B.C., appeared in 57 games last season for the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League (AHL), posting career-highs in goals (11), assists (18) and points (29), with 91 penalty minutes. During the 2011 Calder Cup Playoffs, Sawada appeared in six games, leading the team in assists with five and ranking second in points with six.

Sawada, 26, who appeared in one NHL game last season with Dallas, missed nine games during the 2010-11 season from Feb. 5 – Feb. 24 with a shoulder injury suffered against the Boston Bruins on Feb. 3.

Dallas’ second round selection (52nd overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Sawada scored eight goals and 19 points with 92 penalty minutes with Texas during the 2009-10 campaign, helping the club reach the Calder Cup Finals. He skated in every playoff game for the club and collected eight points (3g, 5a) with 20 penalty minutes.

Prior to his professional career, Sawada played four seasons at Cornell University, scoring 76 points (31g, 45a) with 131 penalty minutes in 137 career games.

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