Stars Sign Francis Wathier and Krys Barch to 2 Year Deals

Despite the madness of the Mike Modano Press Conference today. Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk did take care of some business today by signing Dallas Stars Forward Kris Barch and Texas Stars Forward Francis Wathier to 2 year deals today.

For Barch, he played 63 games in the regular season who scored 6 assists with 0 goals. However he's gets paid for big hits and to be an enforcer as he racked up 130 penalty minutes this past season. In all 4 seasons for the Stars, he racked up triple digit penalty minutes in his career.

Francis Wathier played a majority of the season for the Texas Stars by scoring an impressive 40 points (19G 21A) during the regular season and was a huge physical presence in Austin during both the regular season and the playoffs during the team's Calder Cup Run.

Dallas Stars Press Release: http://stars.nhl.com

Dallas Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk announced today that the hockey club has signed Kris Barch to a two year contract worth 1.675 Million. This extension puts Barch under contract through the 2011-2012 season.

"Kris Barch is a competitive player who adds character, grit and toughness to our hockey club," Nieuwendyk said. "He gives everything he has each night and we are pleased to have him back for two more years."

Barch, 30, played in 63 games for the Dallas Stars last season, collecting 6 assists and 130 penalty minutes. He has played 209 NHL Games over the past four seasons, all with the Stars, recording 8 goals and 15 assists with 475 Penalty minutes. The Hamilton, Ontario, native was originally signed as a free agent by Dallas on July 18, 2006.


Nieuwendyk also announced today that the club has signed right wing Francis Wathier to a two year, two way contract. The extension puts Wathier under contract through the 2011-2012 season.

Wathier, 25, made his NHL Debut with Dallas last season, recording four shots and five penalty minutes in five games for the Dallas Stars. He spent the majority of the season with the Texas Stars of the AHL, skating in 76 games and collecting 40 points (19G 21A) with 101 penalty minutes. The St. Isidore, Ontario native also played 24 playoff games with Texas, tallying 8 points (2G 6A).

The 6'4" 208 pound left wing has played 240 games in the AHL and has scored 41 goals and 38 assists with 349 penalty minutes. Wathier was drafted in the sixth round (185th overall) of the 2003 NHL Draft.