The Dallas Stars and defenseman Alex Goligoski agreed to terms Monday on a four-year, $18.4 million contract extension.

Goligoski is in the final season of a three-year, $5.5 million contract and would have been a restricted free agent after the season.

“We’re very pleased that we were able to sign Alex to this extension,” said Stars owner Tom Gaglardi. “We are committed to building a winner here in Dallas and that starts with re-signing your key players and maintaining a solid foundation for your roster.”

Goligoski, 26, has 15 points in 34 games, and leads the team with an average of 22:34 of ice time per game. He had 15 points in 23 games after arriving in Dallas in a trade last season.

Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round of the 2004 Entry Draft, Goligoski has 33 goals and 120 points in 236 games with the Pens and Stars.

“Alex Goligoski is one of our core players and we are very pleased to get him under contract during the prime of his career,” said Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk. “Alex is a character person and one of the anchors of our blue line. He’s a big part of our hockey club.”

Mike Ribeiro slaloms between the defense, then around the goaltender Rinne for a fantastic first period goal.

Michael Ryder sweeps a nice toe drag before ripping one past Jaro Halak.

Head coach of the Flyers, Peter Laviolette chooses not to wait for the Dallas Stars to leave the bench area, pushing by Steve Ott.

Michael Ryder collects a perfect drop pass in open ice, then dings it off the pipe and in over the glove of Bobrovsky.

Dallas Stars defenseman Mark Fistric has been suspended three games by the NHL Department of Player Safety for charging New York Islanders forward Nino Niederreiter.

Radek Dvorak sends a backhand no look pass to the stick of Nystrom, who tips it past Fleury for the first goal of the game.

After coming close on a prior scoring chance, Michael Ryder shows some amazing skill, scoring from the goal line.