FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Stars locked up a goalie with Stanley Cup Final experience Friday in hopes of solving one of their biggest problems.

Ben Bishop, 30, a former University of Maine player, signed a six-year, $29.5 million deal with the Stars, whose announcement came only three days after the team acquired rights to him from the Los Angeles Kings. Dallas gave up a fourth-round pick in next month’s NHL draft.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play a few years in the league, and now it’s about going somewhere you think you have a chance to win, and a good city,” said Bishop, who was set to be an unrestricted free agent had Dallas not signed him before July 1. “Dallas has both.”

The Stars, who last month reintroduced Ken Hitchcock as their coach after firing Lindy Ruff, see Bishop, a two-time Vezina Trophy finalist, as their new starter in net. They had a two-goalie system with Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi each of the last two seasons, and missed the playoffs this year.

“Ben is an elite goaltender in this league and we’re thrilled to be adding him to our mix,” General Manager Jim Nill said. “Ben’s commitment to what we are building in Dallas, and his passion for wanting to be a part of it, was evident during the negotiating process.”

While the 6-foot-7 Bishop was born in Denver, he graduated from high school in Frisco, Texas, just outside Dallas. He played for Maine from 2005-08.

SHARKS: San Jose signed forwards Melker Karlsson and Joonas Donskoi to new contracts before they become restricted free agents.

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