Dallas Stars sign goalie Casey DeSmith in NHL free agency

There will be a new backup goalie in Dallas for the 2024-25 season.

Not long after reports on Monday indicated Scott Wedgewood would be heading to Nashville for the next step in his NHL career, goalie Casey DeSmith agreed to terms with the Stars on the opening day of free agency.

The organization announced he signed a three-year deal through 2026-27 worth $1 million annually.

“Casey’s a veteran who has a proven track record as a backup goaltender,” said Stars general manager Jim Nill in a statement. “He has the ability to step up when called upon, and we’re excited to have him join our team.”

DeSmith, 32, appeared in 29 games for the Vancouver Canucks last season, making 27 starts. He went 12-9-6 with a 2.89 goals against average and .896 save percentage behind Vezina finalist Thatcher Demko. He was traded to the Canucks at the beginning of last season.

DeSmith started two playoff games for the Canucks but missed the remainder of the postseason with an injury when he was ultimately replaced by Arturs Silovs, an AHL goalie who was a standout in Vancouver’s run.

He has 163 career appearances (142 starts) over six NHL seasons between the Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins.

With a tight salary cap, the Stars didn’t want to pay more for a backup goalie, but Wedgewood wanted a raise. He ultimately got what he wanted in Nashville, signing a two-year contract worth $1.5 million annually. DeSmith took an $800,000 pay cut annually from his previous contract to sign with Dallas.

While DeSmith could be a solid backup for Oettinger on the ice, he comes with some red flags off the ice, as he was arrested when he was in college in September 2014 for assaulting a woman whom he had been in a relationship with. He was suspended from the University of New Hampshire team immediately and was eventually dismissed permanently.

He applied for a transfer waiver, so he could play for another school, but the NCAA denied his request. Instead, he began professional career less than a year later, signing an ECHL contract.

On X/Twitter: @Lassimak

Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.