VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Gavin Bayreuther is a good defenseman, and the Stars are hoping he can add to a mix of 20-something blue-liners who eventually solidify the back end for years to come.
The skilled defenseman out of St. Lawrence University who signed a free agent contract with the Stars on Wednesday is a solid prospect who is worth the risk of a two-year contract. And while the soon-to-be 23-year-old still probably needs a year of AHL experience, he adds to a mix that continues to get thicker.
Bayreuther joins Dillon Heatherington (acquired in trade from Columbus) and 2014 first-round draft pick Julius Honka as defensmen who are knocking on the NHL door.