Lost in the media kerfuffle over Sean Avery’s hospitalization, the Fabian Brunnstrom sweepstakes and of course the Stanley Cup playoffs was news earlier this week that gritty agitator Steve Ott had been re-signed by the Dallas Stars to a multi-year contract.

Ott, 25, will according to TSN’s website earn $1.35 million for next season and $1.5 million in 2009-10 for a total of $2.85 million over two years. That’s break down as $1.425 million per season against their cap starting next season.

Stars co-GM Les Jackson praised Ott for developing “into a valuable piece in our team chemistry and he brings a solid work ethic to our hockey club day in and day out.''

He certainly has earned it as Jackson suggested. As per TSN:

"The 25-year-old Summerside, P.E.I., native set a new career high in goals (11) this season and tied his career-high of 22 points. He led the team in faceoff percentage (183-311, 58.8%) and penalty minutes (147), and ranked third in hits (182). In the first eight games of this playoff run, he has collected two goals, including a game-winner in Game One of the first round at Anaheim."

In other words, he’s one of those players that you hate to play against but love to have on your team, so it’s not surprising the Stars re-upped him for two more years.