Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka has been recalled from the Texas Stars, Dallas' development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Jokipakka, 23, appeared in his first-career NHL game this season against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 24, and has skated in three NHL contests so far in 2014-15, posting two shots. A native of Tampere, Finland, Jokipakka has skated in nine games this season for Texas, posting one goal and 11 shots for the club.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman was selected by Dallas in the seventh round (195th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.

Earlier today, defenseman Kevin Connauton was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Connauton, 24, skated in 44 career NHL games, all as a member of the Stars, earning 10 points (1-9=10) and 22 penalty minutes in his time with the club. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound native of Edmonton, Alberta was selected by Vancouver in the third round (83rd overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft. He was acquired from Vancouver along with a second round pick in 2013, in exchange for Derek Roy on April 2, 2013.