Stars extend LW Brenden Morrow through 2012-13

September 21, 2006

DALLAS (AP) -- The Dallas Stars signed left wing Brenden Morrow to a $24.6 million, six-year contract extension Thursday, locking him up through 2012-13.

Morrow was to become an unrestricted free agent after this season but wanted to remain with the Stars. The feeling was mutual, so they worked out a deal that will pay him $4.1 million per season beginning in 2007-08. He'll make $2.2 million this season under his existing contract.

"We consider him a cornerstone player and an integral part of our team," general manager Doug Armstrong said. "Brenden is one of our main leaders and sets the tone for the club with his work ethic. He brings a lot of energy and tenacity to the lineup each night and we're glad to him here over the next seven seasons."

Morrow arrived was a rookie on a veteran-filled team in 1999-2000, when the Stars lost to New Jersey in the Stanley Cup finals. He's grown into one of the team's most reliable players and among the most popular, both in the locker room and among fans.

Morrow scored a career-best 65 points last season on 23 goals and 42 assists, another career best. He also led the club in plus-minus ratio at plus-30.

"I wanted to stay in Dallas all along and now I can concentrate completely on the ice for this upcoming season," Morrow said. "I couldn't be happier and am extremely excited about continuing my career with the Stars for many years."

Dallas made Morrow the 25th overall pick in the 1997 draft. He has 120 goals and 149 assists for his career, with 758 penalty minutes. He's scored at least 20 goals in three straight seasons and has never had a minus rating for a season; his plus-98 is the best of any player on the club.