Stars sign Adam Erne to one-year contract

A familiar name has earned himself a new NHL deal.

On Tuesday, Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill announced that the team has signed forward Adam Erne to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2025-26 season.

Erne was one of the names the Stars invited to training camp on a professional tryout last month. He made enough of an impression on the organization’s brass to give him his first big-league contract in two seasons. The 30-year-old played in five of Dallas’ six preseason games, posting two assists.

It was the third season in a row Erne has been brought to camp on a PTO. In 2023, he was signed by the Edmonton Oilers after a strong preseason. That season, he split time between the Oilers and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. He attended the New York Rangers’ camp last fall, but failed to earn a contract. Instead, he joined the Rangers’ top farm team, the Hartford Wolf Pack, on a PTO. However, a lower-body injury in November and relatively low production led to his release by the team.

In 10 games with the Wolf Pack, Erne registered just one assist.

It’s only been a few years since the New Haven, Conn. native was a full-time NHLer. First with the Tampa Bay Lightning and later with the Detroit Red Wings, Erne found a depth role in the lineup, while occasionally contributing offensively.

In 382 NHL appearances, Erne has scored 41 goals and 50 assists for 91 points. In 205 AHL regular-season games, he has posted 47 goals and 59 assists for 106 points, with another 10 points in 24 Calder Cup Playoff contests.