Oilers deal Shawn Horcoff to Stars for Philip Larsen
Edmonton captain registered 12 points in 31 games last season
The Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars officially confirmed a trade early Friday that sees veteran centre Shawn Horcoff head to Texas.
Horcoff, 34, leaves the only NHL club he's played for in exchange for young defenceman Philip Larsen and a seventh-round draft pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. The deal was heavily reported late Thursday.
"Tough to see Horc go. I've learned so much from him over the years. Dallas got a great professional and teammate today. #Leader" —Oilers' Sam Gagner via Twitter
"Shawn is a proven leader in this League and helps solidify our group at centre," Stars general manager Jim Nill said in a statement. "He's a hard-working, two-way player that can contribute in all situations and our young players will be able to learn from his work ethic and example."
Horcoff dealt with multiple injuries last season and scored just seven goals and five assists in 31 games. Following the end of the lockout-shortened regular season and Craig MacTavish being named Oilers general manager, Horcoff became the subject of trade rumours.
The Trail, B.C., native was drafted by the Oilers in 1998 in the fourth round, 99th overall and has spent his entire 12-year NHL career in Edmonton.
Horcoff has two years left on his contract and comes with a $5.5 million US annual cap hit.
The 23-year-old Larsen had five points in 32 games with the Stars last season and has a total of 19 points in parts of four campaigns in Dallas.
From the Dallas perspective, it continues the remaking of the club under new general manager Nill and new coach Lindy Ruff.
The Stars on Thursday acquired Tyler Seguin, Rich Peverley and Ryan Button from the Boston Bruins for Loui Eriksson, Reilly Smith, Joe Morrow and Matt Fraser.