Dallas Stars acquire defenseman Andrew Hutchinson from Tampa Bay Lightning

by Mark Stepneski of Andrew's Stars Page

DALLAS — The Dallas Stars bolstered their defensive depth Sunday, acquiring defenseman Andrew Hutchinson from Tampa Bay for prospect Lauri Tukonen.

The 28-year-old Hutchinson, an offensive defenseman who has 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) in 97 NHL games, is expected to join the Stars in time for their upcoming road trip to Calgary and Edmonton.

"I saw Hutchinson the last couple of nights on TV. He is a good puck mover, and a right shot that fits well into our group," said Stars coach Dave Tippett.

The Stars are a little thin on defense right now. Sergei Zubov is out with a lower body injury and will be out at least one week.

"Zubie is going to be reevaluated in a week with a lower body injury," said Tippett.

Mark Fistric is out for a week or two after undergoing knee surgery and is unavailable to be called up from the minor leagues.

Hutchinson signed a two-year, one-way contract worth $500,000 each season with Tampa Bay this summer, but struggled in training camp and the preseason and was sent to the minors. He's only played two games in the NHL this season. He's spent most of the season with Norfolk of the AHL, where he has 14 points (one goal, 13 assists) in 20 games.

Tukonen, a 22-year-old right wing acquired this summer from Los Angeles for left wing Richard Clune, has been playing in Finland this season. He has five goals and eight assists in 22 games.