Dallas Stars signs veteran defenseman Brad Lukowich, name Paul Jerrard Assistant Coach –NHL Update
Two days before the free agency officially begins, Dallas Stars has re-signed its veteran defenseman, Brad Lukowich, to a one-year, two-way contract. The Texas National Hockey League (NHL) franchise has also named Paul Jerrard as its assistant coach to new
head coach, Glen Gulutzan.
34-year-old Lukowich was drafted in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by New York Islanders as the 90th overall pick during round-four.
He never actually played with Islanders and started off his career with Dallas during the 1997-1998 season.
He also played with Tampa Bay Lightning, a single season with New York, and returned to Stars last season.
Lukowich only played five games with Dallas last season in which he did not register a single point, thus, remaining with its American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, Texas Stars, for 67 games in which he had four goals and 23 assists.
The financial details of Lukowich’s contract have not been disclosed as yet.
After naming its new head coach, Glen Gulutzan on Friday, June 17, Dallas has already found one of his assistant coaches, Paul Jerrard.
In a move to change around the management and break the three-year playoff-less curse, Dallas had to let go of its past head coach and the two assistant coaches to make way for a new team.
“We are very excited to name Paul Jerrard to our coaching staff”, said Dallas general manager, Joe Nieuwendyk, as he introduced Jerrard on Tuesday. “He has great history with our organization, as well as with Glen Gulutzan while they were both coaching at
our AHL franchise in Cedar Park. Paul’s professionalism and work ethic will rub off on this organization and our players. He will help the Dallas Stars take the next step in getting back to the playoffs”.
Gulutzan was the former head coach of Texas Stars before he was called up to coach the major league team.
Jerrard was his assistant coach there and has been brought up as well. Many assume due to the working relation these two have established over the previous two AHL seasons, keeping them on one team would be the best option.
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