(UW ATHLETICS) – Senior forward Christian Fitzgerald has signed a one-year NHL entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars that begins with the 2026-27 season, the franchise announced on Monday.
The forward will report to the AHL’s Texas Stars for the remainder of the year, where he’ll join fellow former Badger forward Cameron Hughes.
“It’s been an unbelievable three years,” Fitzgerald said. “Obviously wished we would have gotten it done on Saturday night because it felt like our team and everybody working with our group deserved that and had been working for that all year.
“I can’t say enough about the people and the coaching staff and everybody here at Wisconsin how they welcome you with open arms. It’s been an absolutely unbelievable experience.”
After transferring from Minnesota State, Fitzgerald joined the Badgers as a sophomore, and he finished his career in the Cardinal and White with 29 goals and 72 points in 113 games played. In 151 total NCAA games played, the Coquitlam, B.C. native scored 45 goals and 101 points, reaching the 100-point milestone with an empty-net goal in UW’s 5-1 win over Dartmouth in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
The forward finished his senior year with a career-high 31 points in 39 games, also tying his career-high in goals set his freshman year with 16. His 16 goals were good for second among UW skaters, while his 15 assists placed him fifth.
An Academic All-Big Ten skater, Fitzgerald led the team this year with nine power-play goals, and he tied for the roster lead in short-handed goals with one and shared second in game-winning goals with three. His 105 shots were also good for second on the team this year.
Before coming to Wisconsin, the forward tallied 16 goals and 29 points in 38 games played during his freshman year at Minnesota State, helping the team to CCHA regular season and tournament championship titles. Fitzgerald also previously played for the USHL’s Tri-City Storm, as well as the with the BCHL’s Surrey Eagles.
“It’s unbelievable,” Fitzgerald said on his contract. “It’s a special time for myself and my family, and for my brothers here at Wisconsin. I wouldn’t be in this position without them and without all their help and love and support. They mean everything to me.”
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