Stars sign Johns to 3-year, $7.05M contract extension

The Dallas Stars signed defenseman Stephen Johns to a three-year, $7.05-million contract extension Friday, the team announced.

Johns is fresh off a two-year, $1.45-million contract and would have become a restricted free agent on July 1.

"Stephen has developed into a solid contributor on our back-end," Stars general manager Jim Nill said in a release. "He plays a very fast, physical game and is just starting to hit the prime of his career. We're pleased to have him locked up for the next three seasons."

The 26-year-old is coming off his third season with the Stars and posted career highs in both goals and points with eight and 15, respectively. He also led the club with 155 blocked shots and 201 hits.