Dallas Stars’ Three Players Who Could Possibly Be Traded
By Josh Clark
April 8, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) moves the puck against Anaheim Ducks center Rickard Rakell (67) during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Goligoski came to the Dallas Stars as a part of the so-called “infamous” trade that sent Matt Niskanen and James Neal to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The thing people forget is that Goligoski is still on the Stars at this point, while the Penguins have dealt away both Neal and Niskanen.
Goligoski finished the season with four goals and 36 points, good enough for third among Stars defensemen. He is the second oldest member of the Stars blue line, and understands how the game works. With a Stanley Cup under his belt and eight years of experience, the 29-year-old is a great addition to any blue line.
“He’s one guy that just strives to get better. At the end-of-year meeting last season, he wanted to improve in some areas, he wanted to tighten up some parts of his game, and I think that’s the sign of a guy that never says ‘I’m good enough.’ ” -Lindy Ruff
But the best part about Goligoski is his dedication to always get better and his perseverance. For the majority of the season, he dealt with a nagging injury that made him a game time decision for a couple of games. In the end, Goligoski played 81 of a possible 82 games. Not to mention, he’s a workhorse. Goligoski, even with an injury trying to slow him down, led the Stars in average ice time this season at 23:49.
“You just have to put the days behind you, good or bad, and be ready to come to the rink every day and work,” Goligoski said. “As cliché as it sounds, it’s become a fun part of my life.”
Goligoski’s cap hit rests at $4,600,000 and he has a year left on his contract. If the Stars traded him away, they would need to be trading him to a team with a good amount of cap space to use. But, by the looks of it, who wouldn’t want Alex Goligoski on their team? I say trading Goligoski would be a last resort, and only do it if a big name opposing player is involved.
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