Evaluating the Dallas Stars’ Free Agent Moves
When the NHL’s signing period began at noon ET on Monday, the Dallas Stars quickly made several signings to address the weak spots in their lineup. However, the question remains: did these moves truly improve the team?
Forward Line Adjustments
After trading Ty Dellandrea to San Jose before free agency, the Stars focused on securing their forwards. Matt Duchene was brought back on a one-year, $3 million deal due to his strong performance last season and leadership qualities, which are crucial with the losses of Joe Pavelski and Ryan Suter. Additionally, Radek Faksa was traded to St. Louis, creating cap space and a spot for Sam Steel, who is expected to be an upgrade given his recent strong performance and younger age.
Defense Enhancements
Defense was a key area for improvement after an inconsistent season. Although Chris Tanev’s contract demands led to his departure to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Stars re-signed Thomas Harley and Nils Lundkvist and added three new defensemen: Matt Dumba, Brendan Smith, and Ilya Lyubushkin. While Dumba is the most notable addition, his recent decline in performance has caused some fans to question the signing. Smith is more offensively driven and Lyubushkin, although underperforming lately, brings experience.
Goalie Changes
The Stars made unexpected changes to their goaltending roster. While Jake Oettinger remains the starter, Scott Wedgewood left for the Nashville Predators and was replaced by Casey DeSmith. Despite Wedgewood’s popularity, DeSmith has better career statistics and a lower salary. Additionally, the Stars decided not to retain Matt Murray, leaving them with two goalies for now.
Overall Impact
In the initial wave of free agency, the Stars aimed to stabilize their forward lines and bolster their defense. While the moves have been met with mixed reactions, the offseason is far from over, and further changes could still shape the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.
