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Dallas Stars’ One Flaw Exposed In Maxime Fortunus Leaving

By Josh Clark

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On Monday June 1st, news surfaced that Texas Stars defenseman and captain Maxime Fortunus would not be re-signing with the Stars organization.

Maxime Fortunus, 31, was one of just two remaining players on the Texas Stars that had been there since the inaugural season in 2009-2010. He was named captain of the team before the 2012-2013 season. During his term with the team, the Texas Stars appeared in two Calder Cup Finals, one in which they lost in 2010 and the other in which they won in 2014.

Through 402 games as a member of the Texas Stars, Fortunus tallied 167 total points in the regular season, as well as 15 points in the postseason. He was regarded as one of the best defensemen the Stars had in their club.

And now he’s gone. Along with this, 100 Degree Hockey (the Texas Stars main news site, you should check them out) also announced that Derek Meech and more than likely Cameron Gaunce would be vacating the Stars organization and moving on. Three big name and skilled defensemen all leaving in the same offseason. That could end up being a problem.

While Maxime Fortunus was a member of the Stars organization, he only competed in nine NHL level games. He was a member of the Dallas Stars for eight games in the 2009-2010 season when he joined the club, and was called up for one game in the 2013-2014 campaign. In that one game, Fortunus tallied an assist. But he was sent back down shortly thereafter.

After leading his team to a Calder Cup run and victory in 13-14, the Texas Stars tried to resettle and form quickly around a new coach in Derek Laxdal in 2014-2015. This season ended much short of last year’s success, with the Stars being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by means of a sweep.

With three main defensemen leaving from the AHL, the Dallas Stars one tragic flaw has seized them. This flaw is centered around the way the organization builds their NHL team. Since the 2013 offseason, the Dallas Stars have made found their success by adding big names to their roster through each offseason.

This builds up and becomes a blockade for minor league players who are hoping to fill those open spots.

Next: Dallas Stars Overstocking Could Be Hazardous

No hockey player wants to spend their entire career in the AHL. The NHL needs to be an option sooner or later before retirement comes into the picture.

So, as the Dallas Stars continue to pack on new, already NHL-caliber talent to their club, the AHL stars continue to sit and stir about what to do. This eventually causes them to look around for where they could become a superstar.

It’s a bold strategy, but GM Jim Nill knows what he’s doing. Keep your trust in him.

But now the Stars will need to refill their AHL blue line and help keep it steady. This could sooner or later become a problem.

It’s difficult to watch Maxime Fortunus depart for another opportunity. We’d like to thank him for all he did for the organization. But it just goes to remind you that the NHL is a business at it’s core.

It’s sad to see him go, but Jim Nill understands what needs to be done with this team to help them succeed.

Next: What Should The Dallas Stars Do With UFA Jhonas Enroth?

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