Lukowich has skated the past three years with the Texas Stars (AHL) in an "on-ice coach" role, if nothing else, following a 12-year NHL career. If he wants that role again, it's one the Stars are likely comfortable with.
Lukowich signed a two-way deal with Dallas for 2011-12, and will essentially serve as an on-ice coach for most of the younger blueliners with Dallas' AHL affiliate.
The 12-year NHL veteran returns to Dallas for the 2010-11 season, though it's far more likely that he'll spend time in the minors as depth/mentor for when injuries hit the Dallas blue line.
Acquired in an offseason deal with the Sharks, Lukowich will provide depth on Vancouver's back end. The 33-year-old defenseman has failed to reach double-digits in points each of the past two seasons, and unlike other low scoring blueliners, Lukowich doesn't help out with penalty minutes, racking up only 12 last season.
Lukowich, traded to San Jose from Tampa along with Dan Boyle, is the type of defenseman that is far more valuable to the Sharks than he will ever be to your fantasy squad. He brings intangibles like leadership and a bright mind for the game. Since fantasy value is usually determined by a series of offensive statistics, it would be wise to consider that Lukowich has never recorded more than 19 points in an NHL season.
Lukowich is a lunch bucket kind of guy -- he competes hard, is great in the dressing room and rarely complains. He'd probably be a great guy to drink a beer with, too. He's just not the kind of guy who should be on any fantasy squad.
A little more offensively skilled than fellow defensemen Richard Matvichuk and Colin White, but Lukowich doesn't produce the numbers to warrant fantasy consideration.
Lukowich is a solid defensive defenseman. The team signed him for some depth and for playoff experience (he was on Tampa Bay’s Stanley Cup winning team of 2003-04). He will not be looked to for big contributions on offense.
