Jason Spezza, Dallas Stars Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Reaction

Center Jason Spezza has played in just 20 games as a member of the Dallas Stars, but the organization has already seen enough to know that he is part of the long-term plans. The team announced the deal on Friday:

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Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the team has signed center Jason Spezza to a four-year contract extension. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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"Jason is a world-class player and his commitment to the organization is a reflection of what we are building in Dallas," said Nill. "The professionalism and production he brings to our group is key for our success moving forward and we value the leadership he brings to our team."

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Mike Heika of The Dallas Morning News first reported the deal. 

Per TSN's Bob McKenzie, the new deal will pay him $7.5 million per season:

Dallas acquired Spezza from the Ottawa Senators in an offseason trade, and he has settled in nicely as the team's No. 2 center behind Tyler Seguin. He leads the team with 14 assists and is second behind only Seguin with 18 points.

Spezza was among the Senators' star players for 11 seasons, and a great deal of pressure came along with that. According to Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun (h/t the Ottawa Sun), Spezza is happy with the lack of spotlight in Dallas.

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I think it's nice not having that, not even having to worry about that. I think I can worry about just playing. I've been under a lot of scrutiny for a long time. The one thing I've noticed: internally, there's still the same amount of pressure on you. There's still the same amount of pressure to perform, the same amount of pressure to be good every night and to produce. But the kind of external stuff you worry about isn't there, which has been a bit refreshing for me.

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The Stars are struggling currently to the tune of a 7-9-4 record, but it is clear that Spezza is comfortable in his new surrounding nonetheless.

Since Dallas is stacked with offensive talent, one can only assume that a turnaround is inevitable.

If it is, then Spezza will be at the forefront.

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