Julius Honka

Seven years after being drafted 14th overall, it appears that Julius Honka’s time with the Dallas Stars organization is finally over. The 25-year-old defenseman has signed a two-year contract with Lulea HF in the SHL. Though the Stars could retain his restricted free-agent rights this summer with a qualifying offer, Honka will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2022-23 season after he turns 27.

Honka has signed with Lulea HF of the SHL, Sean Shapiro of The Athletic reports. Honka returned to the Stars on a one-year deal for the 2020-21 campaign after spending the 2019-20 season in Finland, but he spent the entirety of the year in the minors, picking up five points in 17 contests. It wouldn't be surprising to see him remain overseas for the remainder of his playing career.

FRISCO, Texas – Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the team has loaned defenseman Julius Honka to the Texas Stars. Honka, 25, began the season in Finland with the Lahden Pelicans, collecting seven points (3-4=7) in nine games. He previously spent the 2019-20 season in Finland appearing in 46 games for JyP registering 15 points (4-11=15) and a +9 plus/minus rating.

Honka has been assigned to AHL Texas. Honka has been with Dallas' taxi squad since the start of the season, but he has yet to crack the big club's lineup. He could be in for an extended stay in the minors.