Former Swift Current Broncos captain Cody Eakin has earned a big payday after years of hard work.

Eakin signed a four-year contract extension with the NHL's Dallas Stars worth $3.85 million per season.

“Cody is a big part of our team now and in the future,” said Stars GM Jim Nill in the team's news release. “He’s a very versatile player; you can play him up and down the lineup. He’s very responsible. He’s good in his own end, and he can score. The coaches love him because he does all the little things right. He’s competitive. We just think he is going to get better, and we are showing a commitment to him that he is a big part of our future. And we want him to take over some of the leadership moving forward.”

Eakin starred for parts of five seasons with the Broncos and represented the team as a member of Team Canada during the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Originally drafted by the Washington Capitals, Eakin has flourished in Dallas to the point he was invited to be part of Canada's gold medal winning World Championship team this spring.

Eakin set career highs in goals (19), assists (21) and points (40) in 78 games last season.

“He can be a 40-60 point player consistently,” Nill said. “At times last year, due to injuries and because he was playing so well, he moved up and played on the top line. He can play on the top line, he plays that shutdown role. He brings a lot to the table. I had him at the World Championship (winning a gold medal with Canada), and he was a big part of the team over there. I think there is still growth in his game.”

The Winnipeg product has never forgot his time in Swift Current and almost annually participates in the Broncos alumni golf tournament.

He is part of a strong southwest connection in Dallas with Stewart Valley's Travis Moen. Eakin's former Broncos teammate Justin Dowling is also in the Dallas system.

As for the current Broncos they will host their intrasquad game on Sunday afternoon at 1pm.