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Wisconsin hockey forward signs with NHL franchise
TL;DR
Wisconsin hockey forward Christian Fitzgerald has signed a one-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars following the Badgers' national championship loss. Fitzgerald had a standout senior season, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Following Wisconsin men's hockey's heartbreaking national championship loss to Denver, forward Christian Fitzgerald signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars.
Fitzgerald joined the Badgers in 2023-24 after playing his freshman season at Minnesota State. He appeared in 78 games over three seasons with the program, totaling 29 goals and 43 assists. His best season came as a senior in 2025-26, helping the Badgers make an improbable run to the Frozen Four and national title game. That campaign included 16 goals and 15 assists, including one goal and one assist during the NCAA Tournament.
The now-former Badger is set to join a Dallas Stars team that currently sits in second place in the Western Conference. The franchise has made the playoffs in five consecutive years, including runs to the Western Conference Finals in 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2025-26.
Fitzgerald was part of an impressive Wisconsin senior class, which also includes defenseman Ben Dexheimer, forward Simon Tassy, forward Kyle Kukkonen and forward Tyson Dyck.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin hockey forward Christian Fitzgerald sign NHL Dallas Stars
Q&A
What are Christian Fitzgerald's career statistics with Wisconsin hockey?
Christian Fitzgerald played 78 games over three seasons with Wisconsin, scoring 29 goals and providing 43 assists.
Which NHL team did Christian Fitzgerald sign with after leaving Wisconsin?
Christian Fitzgerald signed a one-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars.
How did the Wisconsin Badgers perform in the NCAA tournament during Fitzgerald's senior year?
During his senior year, Fitzgerald helped the Badgers reach the Frozen Four and the national title game, contributing one goal and one assist in the NCAA Tournament.
