Dallas Stars Hope To Have Match For John Klingberg In Marc Methot

The newest Dallas Stars defenseman, Marc Methot, has a respectable resume, but will his previous successes translate to similar results in Victory Green?

The Dallas Stars acquired Marc Methot from the Las Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for goaltender Dylan Ferguson and a 2020 draft pick. He’s expected to be John Klingberg‘s partner, but that expectation is asking a lot for a few reasons.

Klingberg’s progression

Klingberg is the current backbone of the Stars’ defensive core. The 24-year-old Swede is a puck-moving defender with an offensive upswing that sometimes causes issues in his own zone. He’s a talented young player for Dallas and they’ve put a lot on him being successful.

More from Analysis

• Dallas Stars Traverse City Tournament: Who had great performances?
• Taking a look at the teams the Dallas Stars will be playing in the preseason
• Should the Dallas Stars revisit signing Patrick Kane this season?
• Realistic regular season stats for Dallas Stars Roope Hintz
• Realistic regular season stats for Dallas Stars Joe Pavelski

Last year, however, put a bit of doubt in Dallas’ decision. While the team itself struggled and was unable to even give themselves a chance at the postseason, No. 3 was unimpressive. The power play he spent most of the season quarterbacking failed miserably and his play was noticeably less effective.

The Stars are hoping that he’ll swing in the opposite direction and have a great 2017-18 with Methot as his partner.

However, Klingberg’s youthful style of play and willingness to take chances is something that could threaten his success with Methot. While Klingberg should have a better year, especially considering the Stars are returning to the ice with a vengeance, expecting him and Methot to have chemistry is asking a lot.

Methot’s previous partner

Over the duration of his time with the Ottawa Senators, Methot was partners with Erik Karlsson. As far as offensive-minded defenders go, Karlsson is the epitome of excellence. His style of play is certainly something that Klingberg aspires to achieve, so hopefully Methot’s proximity to him will prove beneficial.

But just because the two played alongside one another for the better part of five years, doesn’t mean that the results with be replicated in Dallas. Klingberg has the potential to be a great defender, while Karlsson already is. That difference is significant.

Next: Stars' Offseason comes at a cost

To correlate that Methot’s previous partnership with Karlsson will translate to similar results in Dallas is speculation at best. Ultimately it all will depend on the pair’s ability to feed off of one another’s energy and learn each other’s tendencies. Until that point is achieved, their success will be up in the air.