Alex Goligoski Signs $18.4M Extension With Stars
As I am sure you have all heard, defenceman Alex Goligoski has re-upped with the Dallas Stars for four more years at an average cap hit of $4.6M. Considering the contracts Francois Beauchemin (3Y/10.5M) and Josh Gorges (6Y/23.4M), the Stars should be content with their investment. However, let’s take a look at just how much value the Stars are getting from their blueliner.
Since being acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in a trade for James Neal, Goligoski has posted 30 points in 59 games, with most of the damage coming last season. This scoring pace ranks among the top 25-35 defenders in the NHL, so Goligoski is obviously contributing in the offensive zone.
However, if we focus solely on this season’s production, the results are not as rosy. He currently has 15 points in 36 games to go along with a -6 rating. These point totals are supported by a pretty standard 8.24% on-ice shooting percentage at even strength. However, the opposite is true on the powerplay. Goligoski currently owns an 8.33% on-ice shooting percentage with the man advantage, the lowest mark on the Stars, and the 3rd worst mark of any NHL defender who averages at least 3.5 minutes per game on the powerplay. Given his offensive pedigree and the success he had in Pittsburgh, Goligoski should post more power play points moving forward, and get back into that 0.5 points per game range.
Additionally, one could expect a better +/- due to his 4.78 Corsi Rating. Goligoski is currently the victim of an .899% on-ice save percentage – although due to his offensive nature, it is probably prudent to assume that it is possible he should be below average in this category. If Goligoski can break even at even strength and post 20 powerplay points, he provides good value for the Stars.
Another area in which Goligoski excels is his penalty differential. He is one of the least penalized defenders in the NHL at 0.3 penalties per 60 minutes, tying him for 139th out of 164 defenceman with at least 30 games played. He also draws 0.6 penalties per 60 minutes, tying him for 15th among NHL blueliners. This 2:1 ratio ties him for 6th in the NHL. As Hawerchuck has shown, a player can contribute some serious value simply by drawing penalties.
Overall, the $4.6M cap hit places Goligoski just inside the top 25 among NHL defenceman. Given his age, upside, and the relatively short term of the contract, this is a low-risk move for the Stars, who are paying pretty close to market value for one of the better prime-aged defenders in the league.