Breaking down the Dallas Stars ahead of NHL Trade Deadline Day.
Deadline approach
The Dallas Stars will be: Buyers
Pending free agents
Unrestricted: 8 | Restricted: 10 | See full list
[teamleaders league=”nhl” team=”dal” season”2014″]
Stars overview
Stars GM Jim Nill has done a tremendous job improving this squad in just one season. Since coming over from Detroit, Nill has added several key figures that have made a major impact on the ice. The off-season acquisition of Tyler Seguin looks brilliant, as he and Jamie Benn have shown magnificent chemistry. Bringing in veterans like Shawn Horcoff and Sergei Gonchar added an important presence in the locker room as well.
They give up as many goals as they score, which will need to change if they hope to make an impact in the playoffs — granted they need to get there first. Coming out of the Olympic break, the Stars are in a logjam of teams fighting for the final playoff spot in the tough Western Conference.
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| Click player positions to see depth chart | ||
Areas to address
The Stars are one of those teams in a tricky spot. With a couple of right moves they could squeeze into the playoffs and scare a few teams, but if they try to do too much at the NHL Trade Deadline, then they might lose some of the momentum they’ve gained throughout the season.
First and foremost, a second-line centre would do wonders for the team. It would take pressure of the Benn-Seguin line, and secondary scoring is a must in the playoffs.
Veterans like Ray Whitney and Stephan Robidas are UFAs after the season, so Dallas could use them as trade chips to help build around the younger core of the team.
Possible trade targets
Olli Jokinen, Winnipeg Jets
Mikhail Grabovski, Washington Capitals
Brad Boyes, Florida Panthers (Re-signed)
Marek Zidlicky, New Jersey Devils
