Benn – Seguin – Cole

Whitney – Eakin – Nichushkin

Garbutt – Horcoff – Peverly

MacDermid – Fiddler – Ritchie / Roussel

 

Goligoski – Robidas

Dillon – Gonchar

Benn – Daley

 

Lehtonen

Ellis

 

Additions: Seguin, Peverley, Button, Horcoff, Ellis, Connauton

Subtractions: Morrow, Eriksson, Fraser, Smith, Nystrom

The Stars are a remarkably average team. They quite literally finished with an absolute .500 record, riding some puck luck to compensate for a sub-50% team-corsi. They finished around the middle of the pack in the majority of the major statistical categories as well. There is one major strength, and one major weakness that needs to be pointed out.

After finishing 11th in the NHL with 2.67 goals for per game, the Stars added former second overall pick Tyler Seguin from the Bruins this offseason, further supplementing the offensive abilities of this team. Yes, the loss of Loui Eriksson will hurt, but bringing in defenseman Sergei Gonchar will add more scoring to the Stars’ power play, and first round pick Valeri Nichushkin has NHL size and could be bringing NHL skill with it. The slowly regressing Shawn Horcoff should add depth at center, and Peverly is an effective 7th man with more offence than he showed in a defensive role in Boston.

For as many goals as the Stars will likely score this season, their defensive group will struggle to help Kari Lehtonen in keeping the puck out of the net. Alex Goligoski has proven himself to be a solid defenseman since his move from Pittsburgh and Brendan Dillion has done well against challenging competition, but outside of them there are a lot of question marks around the Stars D-men. Trevor Daley is no more than a 2nd pairing defenseman and has probably hit his peak, Stephane Robidas is 36 years old, Sergei Gonchar is 39, and Jordie Benn has experienced very protected minutes with the Stars. Although the Stars may have experience on their blue line, injury and father time is sure to catch up with them and they will struggle with their limited defensive depth. They have to hope that they can out-score those problems if they want to make the playoffs.

There’s a lot of new happening in Dallas right now. New logo, new jerseys (which I personally love), and most importantly a new coach in Lindy Ruff, and a new GM in Jim Nill. Nill came over after decades of experience in Detroit, and instantly put his stamp on this team (I wonder what that’s like?). Acquiring players Tyler Seguin (for his skill), Rich Peverley (for his two way play), and Shawn Horcoff (for added leadership and depth) change this team for the better. Nill and new owner Tom Gaglardi can hope it’s enough to get them into the playoffs.

Freshly removed from a crazed hockey market in Boston that watched his every move, a new start in a city like Dallas may be a welcomed scene for the young Seguin. Questions about his effort, consistency, commitment, and partying lifestyle led to Seguin’s exit from the Bruins, and the trade might be the spark Tyler needs to take the next step. Upon his dismissal, more questions about Tyler’s inability to play physically, follow curfew (remember the ‘alarm clock issue’?), and find acceptance in the locker room really started to surface. National media will continue to cover it, but at least he’ll have a reprieve at the grocery store. He goes from a supporting role in Boston to likely the top line center in Dallas and it will be his responsibility to prove that he is ready for it.

It’s not just Tyler Seguin that needs to take a step. Jamie Benn is 24 and just signed a new contract, Cody Eakin is still young and is already with his second team, and first round pick Valeri Nichushkin is a mere 18 years old. These players will all be expected to put the puck in the net on a regular basis, but you can be sure there will be some growing pains along the way. The real question is how well this team can fight through those struggles, and if they can score enough for the team as a whole to be successful.

The Dallas Stars are a team that will be on the brink of the playoffs this year.  After years in a division with San Jose and Los Angeles, the Central won’t be as much of an adjustment as it might be for the Jets. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered, but games against the Dallas Stars aren’t likely going to be what you expect from a Western Conference team. They will probably be some of the more exciting, high scoring games of the year. Jets fans will both love and hate to watch it 5 times this season.