Dallas Stars sign Justin Hryckowian to two-year, entry-level contract

The Dallas Stars have signed center Justin Hryckowian to a two-year, entry-level contract.

The deal will kick in during the 2024-25 season.

The 23-year-old is turning pro after a three-year run with Northeastern in the NCAA. The Huskies were eliminated by Boston University during the Hockey East playoffs, allowing Hryckowian to sign a contract.

The Quebec native went undrafted in the NHL, but made a name for himself as one of the Huskies’ most valuable offensive contributors. More of a playmaker than a goal-scorer, Hryckowian set a career-high with 30 assists and 43 points in 32 games this year, edging out Nashville Predators prospect Alexander Campbell for first in team scoring.

Hryckowian took home quite a bit of hardware during his career, including consecutive best defensive forward award honors in Hockey East the past two years. A Hobey Baker award nominee, Hryckowian was also named to the third all-star team this year and the all-rookie team back in 2021-22.

Before starting his college career, the L’Ile-Bizard, Quebec had 52 points in 61 games in the United States Hockey League between Sioux City and Cedar Rapids.

Hryckowian could sign a tryout deal to finish the rest of the season with the AHL’s Texas Stars. If not, the focus will shift to him adjusting to the pro game in 2024-25, likely with Texas.

He’ll be eligible for restricted free agency once his deal expires in 2026.