Alex Petrovic Returns to Stars on One-Year Deal

(Credit: Ross Bonander/Texas Stars)

Following the signing of Curtis McKenzie last week, another big leadership question has been answered today with the signing of Alexander Petrovic. He signs a one-year, two-way contract with Dallas that will likely see him spend the season in Texas as a veteran presence for the blue line in Cedar Park.

The stalwart defenseman had a career year in Texas this past season, pairing up with Ryan Shea and earning the league's second-best plus/minus. Only Shea himself had better. The offensive numbers also stood out for Petrovic with a career-high 27. As he played his 600th pro game, I wrote for TheAHL.com about Petrovic's evolution as an offensive player and how he learned from his partner, Shea, while also teaching.

"Petro" is a key cog in the leadership machine for Texas. Captain McKenzie told the assembled media at the end of the season that it was so easy to be captain this year because of leaders like Petrovic amplifying the message in the locker room and setting the right tone in practice and games alike.

The Stars are set to become younger next season with the addition of many players ending junior and collegiate careers. Petrovic will be there to guide them with this deal.