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Dallas Stars Free Agent Spotlight And Poll: Curtis McKenzie

By Josh Clark |

The Dallas Stars have a total of 18 players on their NHL and AHL rosters that will become some sort of free agent this coming offseason.

With the overstocking of forwards and need for veteran defensemen, it will be interesting to see who Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill re-signs and who he lets go into free agency.

A few days ago, we took a look at the eight players that spent a good majority of their season with the Dallas Stars in the NHL.

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We examined the current situation of each player and the pros and cons of their argument to be re-signed or let go.

So far, we’ve looked at and voted on Jamie Oleksiak, Patrik Nemeth, and Jyrki Jokipakka. Here are the results from their polls:

Of the 55 total voters, 55% sided with re-signing and bringing Jamie Oleksiak back. 31% voted that the Stars should re-sign him and use him for trade. The last 14% voted that Oleksiak and the Stars should separate once and for all.

Of the 81 total voters, 94% believe that the Dallas Stars should be re-signing Patrik Nemeth and brining him back long term. 4% believe that he should be re-signed and used on the trading block. Lastly, just 2% believed that Nemeth should not be offered a new deal in Dallas.

Of the 38 voters at the time this article was written, 87% believe that the Stars need to re-sign Jykri Jokipakka and keep him around. 5% believe he should be re-signed and used for trade. No one voted to part ways with him.

For Oleksiak’s poll, click here. For Nemeth’s poll, click here. For Jokipakka’s poll, click here.

Today we’ll take a look at RFA forward Curtis McKenzie:

Curtis McKenzie had an entertaining rookie year with Dallas. After being drafted in the 6th round of the 2009 draft and shining in the minors, McKenzie got his first chance in Dallas on October 18th, the same night Nemeth was injured. He went back and forth between the NHL and AHL over the next few months, but secured a month-and-a-half long stint from mid-February to the end of March.

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McKenzie, 26, ended the year with four goals and one assist in 36 games. He also had 48 penalty minutes, which included six fights. His aggression is useful in the offensive ranks, and he proved how well he works alongside Brett Ritchie and Shawn Horcoff throughout the entire month of March. His cap hit was only $425,268, so he’ll obviously be expecting a good raise and a more consistent presence in the NHL. After all, he’s earned it.

Curtis McKenzie will be one of the Dallas Stars four restricted free agents this coming offseason, in regards to players who spent a majority of their year in Dallas. The Stars basically have the upper hand on McKenzie since he is an RFA. More than likely, everything will be settled smoothly between the two sides. But anything can happen. Basically, the situation will resolve in one of three possibilities:

1. The Stars send a qualifying offer, McKenzie says yes or no

If the Stars extend a qualifying offer to McKenzie based on NHL procedures, he can either accept or deny. Whatever he chooses to do, the Stars will still maintain the negotiating rights. If he accepts, everything is good. Also, if he accepts, the Stars can do anything with him, such as trade him or move him around. If he declines, he can shop in free agency, but will still be restricted from freely signing with a team.

2. No qualifying offer from the Stars

If the Stars do not send him a qualifying offer at all, McKenzie becomes unrestricted come July 1st and can go anywhere.

3. Jokipakka declines qualifying offer, waits for offer sheet

Curtis McKenzie could decline the Stars offer, which would keep him as a restricted free agent. He could go into free agency and wait for an offer sheet from another team. If he accepts the offer sheet, the Stars would have seven days to match the offer. If they did, McKenzie would be a Star for 2015-2016. If the Stars neglect to negotiate in the time period, McKenzie would move on to the team with the offer sheet and the Stars would receive draft picks in return.

Now that we’ve examined each one’s argument and current situation, it’s time to let you, the Stars fan, vote on what you think should be done with Curtis McKenzie. Feel free to vote below. Apologies to all using the mobile app that doesn’t support our poll yet. We encourage you to get online or find us on social media and vote!

Next: Could The Dallas Stars Have The Best Offense In The NHL Next Year?

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