Dallas Stars: Cap Space Running Low With Jamie Oleksiak Unsigned
Jim Nill and the Dallas Stars have had a busy offseason to say the least, but with all of their financial commitments to new and old contracts, a key defenseman might be getting shortchanged.
The Dallas Stars could see yet another big move before the 2017-18 season starts in October. With less than a million dollars open for Nill to play with before hitting the cap ceiling, Jamie Oleksiak might be finding a new place to call home.
TO BE CLEAR: The Dallas Stars could still technically re-sign him and go over the cap, so long as they are under the cap hit before the season begins. That could be dealt with after training camp once Dallas figures out their defensive logjam and which players will be moved, with Oleksiak being one of the candidates.
Done deals
Dallas has signed Radek Faksa for the next three seasons and inked Gemel Smith as well. Those moves came after the Stars signed/acquired Ben Bishop, Alexander Radulov, Brian Flynn, Martin Hanzal and Marc Methot.
Dallas Stars
The Stars also re-signed Esa Lindell, Brett Ritchie and Patrik Nemeth.
Nill’s contract negotiations have been numerous and while the deals themselves seem reasonable given the player’s abilities and market value, they’re left with a full roster and limited options.
Why Oleksiak
It seemed likely that the Vegas Golden Knights would choose either Cody Eakin or Oleksiak depending upon their needs. They apparently were more in need of a proven center with versatility than a 6’7 defenseman who has just come into his own, but that didn’t do the Stars any favors.
Dallas is unusually stocked with defensive prospects. There are so many young and talented players suiting up for the Texas Stars and Dallas’ decisions are already going to be difficult come training camp here in September.
With that in mind, it’s easier to narrow down why the Stars would trade (or sign-and-trade) Oleksiak. He is the only restricted free agent left without a new contract on the team and he has a lot to offer. His size and potential are the biggest selling points for the “Big Rig,” both of which are attributes that teams around the league can always use.
As with any trade, though, it’s dependent upon a few factors. The market for young defensemen fluctuates and is usually reserved primarily for more established players with a handful of years under their belts. The market could be higher in the preseason when another team suffers an injury and is in need of an NHL-ready defender to fill in.
There’s also the question of a trading partner. The Stars would likely acquire a draft pick(s) in exchange for No. 5 because of their cap space limitations. Or the Stars may do a sign-and-trade ordeal.
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End game
Ultimately, Oleksiak’s future with the Stars is entirely up in the air.
His performance over the last season proved that he’s capable of playing pretty solid defensive hockey, but it seems as if Nill may have his mind made up. Or it could simply be tough negotiations. Still, things aren’t looking so bright in regards to Oleksiak’s future in Dallas.