Stars Sign Radek Dvorak and Vernon Fiddler

The Dallas Stars announced on the first day of free agency that they have signed right wing Radek Dvorak to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million and left wing Vernon Fiddler to a three-year contract worth $5.4 million. Fiddler's deal will average out to $1.8 million per season. In 66 games last season with the Florida Panthers and Atlanta Thrashers, Dvorak had seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points. Fiddler appeared in 71 games last season with the Phoenix Coyotes, scoring six goals and 16 assists for 22 points. These aren't bad depth signings for the Stars, as both players will bring plenty of offensive depth to the team. Dvorak will bring plenty of two-way skill to the wing, as well as experience to the penalty kill. He should be an effective third line forward for the Stars. Fiddler has solid defensive skill, is good on faceoffs, can play an agitating brand of hockey, and is good on the penalty kill. He should be an excellent checking line forward for the team.

Coyotes Sign Free Agents Fiddler, Labarbera to Two-Year Deals

The Phoenix Coyotes added some depth to their roster on Wednesday by signing center Vernon Fiddler and goaltender Jason Labarbera to two-year contracts. Fiddler’s contract is $2.2 million, which averages out to $1.1 million per season, while the terms of Labarbera’s contract were not disclosed. In 78 games last season with the Nashville Predators, Fiddler scored 11 goals and six assists for 17 points. In 305 career games, all with the Predators, he has 45 goals and 48 assists for 93 points. Labarbera split last season with the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks after being traded to the Canucks in December for a seventh round draft pick in 2009. In 28 games last season, he posted an 8-10-6 record with a 2.78 GAA and a .901 save percentage. These two signings are okay for the Coyotes, but not big ticket signings like some Coyotes’ fans were probably hoping for. Fiddler gives the team plenty of offensive depth up the middle and is effective when killing penalties. Labarbera gives the Coyotes a capable back-up to Ilya Bryzgalov who can play close to 30 games per season. Phoenix probably could have signed a more proven back-up than Labarbera, but with the financial difficulties facing the team right now, this was probably the most economical choice for them.