Scouting the Division: Dallas Stars
We’re continuing our look around the Central Division today with the third team (alphabetically), the Dallas Stars. Thus far we’ve looked at the moves made by the Arizona Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche.
So what’s new in Big D? Let’s break it down.
- Expansion Draft: Jamie Oleksiak
- Key Losses: Sami Vatanen, Andrew Cogliano, Jason Dickinson
- Key Additions: Ryan Suter, Braden Holtby, Luke Glendening, Jani Hakanpaa, Michael Raffl
- 2021-22 Cap Space: $0
(per CapFriendly)
Departures
But the losses of Oleksiak and Vatanen are big, as is the departure of Cogliano. But the Stars are keeping most of their forward group intact.
Additions
The Wild bought out Suter, giving the Stars the opportunity to bring in the veteran leader. They gave him a four-year deal. The addition of Holtby is an interesting add to their goaltending mix and Glendening is a terrific veteran center. The return of Tyler Seguin is enormous for the Stars’ chances this season.
What Does It Mean?
Dallas will look for Holtby to settle down the crease, but if he plays like he did last year that might not be enough of an upgrade. Their back end could still use some work even though they brought in Suter. The elephant in the room is what version of Seguin the Stars have on the ice and if he can give them 82 games.
Radulov is 35, Suter is 36 and Pavelski is 37
Age could well play a factor with the Stars
If Seguin is 100% back and healthy and if Radulov can stay healthy and if Robertson and Hintz continue their upward trajectory – then I think Dallas is the clear cut 2nd best team in the division and could give the Avs a run for the top spot, Adding Suter to Heiskanen, Klingberg and Lindell give them a very good top-4.
I agree w/Ebony should both Sequin, Hintz and Radulov stay healthy they challenge the Ave’s for the top spot.
The top 4D is probably the best 4 in the division.
Maybe their last chance to make another deep run, desperation time if they don’t have a fast start quite likely.