- Dallas Stars new general manager Joe Nieuwendyk has been wasting little time in re-signing his key players to long-term contract extensions. 

Days after re-upping defenseman Stephane Robidas to a long-term deal Niewendyk re-signed winger Loui Erikssen to a four-year contract worth $4.25 million per season. 

Niewendyk is following the trend of his peers in handing out big bucks for potential. The 24-year-old Eriksson had a breakout performance in 2008-09 with 36 goals and 63 points and was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season for the Stars. 

If the young Swede continues on that offensive pace he'll be well worth that new salary, which starts in 2010-11. 

- Scratch yet another defenseman off next summer's list of unrestricted free agents,