Dallas Stars Report Card: Patrick Eaves
The Dallas Stars had a magnificent 2015-2016 season, we know that. But how did each player specifically perform? The members of Blackout Dallas have pondered on this question for the past few weeks.
The NHL offseason is admittedly less fun than the regular season, but still has perks. One of those is reflecting back on the season that just ended as a whole and evaluating what went well and what needs improvement.
With that said, important decisions are around the corner for the Dallas Stars and one of them has to do with forward Patrick Eaves‘ future in victory green.
Becoming a Star
Eaves signed with the Dallas Stars as a free agent on July 1st, 2014 and has since played 101 games with the club.
He came to the Stars after having played for the Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators.
Regular Season Recap
No. 18 for Dallas had a difficult season for the Stars to say the least. Injuries limited him to 54 games and he only totaled 17 points (11G, 6A) in that time. In 2014-15 Eaves totaled 27 points (14G, 13A) in only 47 games.
Eaves ended the season with a plus-minus of minus-five and skated an average of 12:58 each game. Overall, Eaves had an okay season considering how many injuries he sustained, but it’s rather unfortunate that his efforts were so limited because he could’ve had a bigger contribution.
Playoff Recap
Eaves played in nine of the Dallas Stars’ 13 playoff games, scoring 6 points (3G, 3A). He boasted a plus-minus of plus-three and overall had a much more significant impact than during the regular season.
No. 18 was able to use his physicality to edge out opposing players and make a bigger difference on the ice. With limited injury issues sidelining him, Eaves was able to really make the most of his Dallas Stars playoff experience.
Contract Situation
Eaves’ time with the Dallas Stars will come to an end if they don’t come to an agreement before July 1st as his one-year, $1.15 million contract will expire. He would then go on to test the free agent market through which he became a Star two years ago.
Patrick Eaves’ cap hit is a matching $1.15 million, making him a relatively inexpensive player; however, the lack of buzz around a new deal for the 32-year-old forward makes his status with the team rather uncertain.
Options Moving Forward
The Stars are rather loaded at the forward position and Eaves found himself the odd man out even when healthy this past season. That doesn’t appear to be a good sign for No. 18, but it also doesn’t mean that Jim Nill won’t come up with something.
Eaves played well when he was in the line-up and healthy. The issue is that didn’t happen as often as the Dallas Stars would have liked. He could be a good veteran to have in the line-up, but with seasoned vets like Patrick Sharp, Jason Spezza and even Jamie Benn in the locker room, it’s certainly not a necessity.
When it comes to being an extra forward, the Dallas Stars would be wiser to go with a younger player that can more easily transition between the NHL and the AHL. That route also leaves more cap space open for Nill to work with and seeing that Jamie Benn is in the market for a new deal, cap space is a valuable commodity.
Next: Jamie Benn Earned the Hart Trophy
Eaves’ future with the Stars is highly uncertain, but if they can sign him to a short-term, inexpensive deal there’s no reason he can’t remain in Dallas. It really is just about getting the numbers to work out and making sure that No. 18 genuinely wants to remain wearing victory green, as he has stated numerous times that he does.
What do you think will happen with Patrick Eaves and the Dallas Stars? Leave your thoughts in the comments and, as always, thanks for reading!