Phoenix Coyotes Resign Former Big Green Standout Lee Stempniak

GLENDALE, ARIZONA -- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have re-signed right wing Lee Stempniak to a two-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased to have signed Lee to a two-year contract,” said Maloney. “He played a key offensive role with our team down the stretch last season. He is just entering the prime of his career and we look forward to him having continued success with our organization.”

Stempniak, 27, split last season between Toronto and Phoenix, recording 28-20-48 and 26 PIM in a total of 80 games. His 28 goals on the season represented a new career-high for the six-year veteran. After collecting 14-16-30 in 62 games with the Maple Leafs, Stempniak was acquired by the Coyotes on Mar. 3, 2010 in exchange for defenseman Matt Jones, a fourth round choice and a seventh round choice in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Stempniak appeared in the final 18 regular season games with the Coyotes and registered 14-4-18 to lead the team in goals during that stretch. After scoring 13 goals in his first 14 games with the club, Stempniak was named the NHL's First Star for the month of March. He also helped lead the Coyotes to a franchise record-tying nine-game winning streak upon joining the team, scoring nine goals during that span. He recorded at least one point in his first eight games with the team. During the 2010 Playoffs, Stempniak collected two assists while appearing in all seven of the Coyotes' games versus the Detroit Red Wings.

A native of West Seneca, New York, Stempniak has recorded 96-113-209 and 154 PIM in 374 career NHL games with St. Louis, Toronto and Phoenix. He split the 2008-09 campaign between St. Louis and Toronto, finishing with 14-30-44 and 33 PIM in 75 games. In 2006-07, Stempniak registered a career-high 52 points (27-25-52) while appearing in all 82 games for St. Louis.

The 6-foot, 195-pound Stempniak has also represented the United States in three World Championship tournaments (2009, 2008, 2007). Prior to his professional career, Stempniak played four seasons at Dartmouth College. He was originally selected by St. Louis in the fifth round (148th overall) of the 2003 Entry Draft.

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