Stars UFA prize Hanzal meets with coach Hitch

Martin Hanzal was one of the biggest players on the NHL’s free-agent market when it opened Saturday afternoon. Literally. The 6’6”, 225 lb centerman is a giant and expects to utilize his size in his new role with the Stars.

The big man put up 20 goals last season split between the Arizona Coyotes and the Minnesota Wild and, while it took him time to adjust, looked especially good down the stretch playing in Minnesota. The Stars, and new head coach Ken Hitchcock, are very eager to see what the 30 year-old Czech native can do for the Stars offense in 2017-18. To that end, Hanzal recently met with Hitch in order to nail down his role and the team’s expectations. Mark Stepneski, writer for the Stars’ official website, offers up a few tidbits:

Awesome. How long have the Stars been lacking someone like this in their lineup? Hanzal is a total utility player, meaning he can play just about anywhere in the lineup and fill multiple roles. Coach Hitchcock is going to love this guy.