Cody Eakin Maturing To Quality 2nd Line Center Quickly
By Josh Clark
On June 22, 2012, Cody Eakin became a new member of the Dallas Stars. He came over from the Washington Capitals along with the 54th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
The package was exchanged for center Mike Ribeiro, who tied for second in points on the Stars in the prior 2011-2012 season. This move came as a bit of a shock for Stars fans, who had just watched their team fall just short of the postseason for the fourth straight time, officially marking the longest drought in franchise history. Trading one of the best players on the team didn’t seem like the solution, and many Stars fans assumed a rebuild was getting underway. But then the Stars signed Jaromir Jagr, and no one was quite sure what was in store for the future.
No one in Dallas really knew Eakin when he came in. Overall, he had only played in 30 NHL games with the Caps, and scored just eight total points. The then 21-year old made it through training camp and onto the Stars roster for opening night in the ’12-’13 lockout season.
Eakin made it through his first season in Dallas and ended up playing a complete 48-game shortened season. He tallied seven goals and 24 total points, which translates to a point every other game. He showed physicality and agitation in his game, making him a quick favorite among the Stars fan base.
Cody Eakin found compatibility with Ryan Garbutt and Antoine Roussel in his first season, and the three stuck together as they transitioned to their sophomore seasons.
As the management shifted from Joe Nieuwendyk to Jim Nill, it was clear change would be the theme of the 2013 offseason. On July 4th, Nill brought Tyler Seguin in as part of a blockbuster trade to become the Stars number one center.
As the chemistry between Seguin and Jamie Benn grew, it was clear Benn would shift back to his natural spot on the wing after playing a year in the dot. As a result, Cody Eakin became the Stars number two center.
Eakin had a successful second full season, keeping pace with the Stars. He ended up scoring 16 goals and 35 points through 81 games. He followed it up by tallying five points in six playoff games.
After the Stars were eliminated in the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, it was clear that they would be hunting for a “more capable” second line center to allow Eakin more time to develop in the lower ranks. The two candidates ended up being Paul Stastny and Jason Spezza, and the Stars traded for the latter.
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As Spezza took over the second line, Eakin was shifted down to the third. But Eakin still found a way to improve, and even become a legitimate candidate for a second line center job.
Cody Eakin broke his own career records in both goals and assists. With a career high 19 goals and 21 points, he proved that he has a knack for scoring and can even possibly help out an NHL team on the second line.
Eakin broke his own records this year with setbacks involved. He scored more points in less average time on ice and scored more goals on less shots. He took 19 less shots in 14-15 than 13-14 and scored on three more of them. He skated in 63 less minutes, which translates to about eight less seconds on average in the season. He also played in three less games. So an increase in production with less of a chance to shine is a great thing to see from him.
Towards the end of the season, Eakin was subbed to the first line center position and played exceptionally well with Benn and Seguin on his wings.
“He plays a solid two-way game and epitomizes the ‘hard to play against’ mentality we’re building our team around. Cody’s future is bright, and we’re excited to add him to our club.” -Joe Nieuwendyk
Now that Eakin is increasing production, he is more valuable. The two centers in front of him (Seguin and Spezza) are basically set for long-term careers in Dallas. So, with one year left on his deal, it will be interesting to see what Eakin wants to do with his talent. The Stars line combinations are not set in stone yet, and with all the switching they did towards the end of the year, anything could happen come the season opener.
Either way, it’s great to see Eakin maturing as a player and becoming a more viable threat in such a short amount of time. He’s definitely on his way up in the league. For almost 24, that’s not half bad.
Next: Dallas Stars Overstocking On Forwards Could Be Hazardous
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