Stars sign defenseman Klingberg to 7-year extension

FRISCO, Texas (AP) The Dallas Stars have signed John Klingberg to a seven-year contract extension after he led NHL rookie defensemen in assists and points this season.

Klingberg had 40 points (11 goals, 29 assists) in 65 games. The goals, assists and points were all single-season Stars records for a rookie defenseman.

General manager Jim Nill says Klingberg is a very special player possessing a creativity and skill level that few in the NHL can match.

The Stars drafted the 22-year-old Swede in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL draft. After starting this season in the AHL, Klingberg became the first defenseman in franchise history to record eight points in his first eight NHL games.