The Arizona Coyotes have acquired the negotiating rights to defenceman Alex Goligoski, an impending unrestricted free agent, from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a fifth-round pick (128th overall) in the 2016 Draft.
The Coyotes have until June 25 to negotiate exclusively with Goligoski. At that point he can interview with other teams as well. He is scheduled to become a UFA on July 1.
“The Dallas Stars would like to thank Alex for all of his contributions to the organization,” said general manager Jim Nill. “A leader both on and off the ice, Alex has played an integral role in the development of our young defencemen into NHL-caliber players. His versatility over the past six seasons has helped shape this team into what it is today and we wish him and his family the best of luck.”
The Stars now have one selection in the first round (25th overall), one in the third round (90th), which was acquired from San Jose, one in the fourth round (116th), two in the fifth round (128th, 146th) and one in the sixth round (176th).
Goligoski recorded 37 points in 82 regular-season games with Dallas in 2015-16, while posting seven points in 13 postseason contests.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound native of Grand Rapids, Minn., has amassed 277 points in 562 career games for Dallas and Pittsburgh.
He won a Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2009.
