The Dallas Stars begin their 2015-2016 campaign in less than 11 weeks.
With another action-packed, extremely successful off-season, this Dallas Stars team and Victory Green fans across the country have high expectations for this new year. General Manager Jim Nill has brought in all the tools necessary for this hockey team to succeed.
They just need to produce on the ice, just as these players have for many seasons now. If that happens, the Dallas Stars are indeed capable of doing something special this season.
All of this, of course, is IF they stay healthy.
Recently, three Stars players have been battling injuries and surgeries, hoping to get back on the ice healthy and ready to go.
Big Val scored 14 goals and tallied on 20 assists in his first year in the NHL during the 2013-2014 season. Nichuskin also had a +20 plus/minus, and Stars fans already began to think picking him at 10th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft was the right choice.
But the 6-4, 205 Right Winger battled hip and groin pain after his rookie year. Because of this, Nichuskin could only play in eight NHL games in what was a highly-anticipated sophomore season.
There is not a doubt in Jim Nill’s mind that drafting Valeri Nichuskin in the first round was the right decision. When on the ice, he has showed that he can produce solid numbers.
More importantly, he is only 20 years old.
The good news for Dallas Stars fans is that Val played in the final four games of the 2013-2014 season, and has stayed healthy during this off-season.
Unless something horrible goes wrong, Stars fans will see Nichuskin on the ice on Opening Night.
Two months ago, Ales Hemsky had hip surgery following the conclusion of this past season.
Everything went as planned, and Hemsky has been grinding to get back to skating, and finally did so this past week.
Last season, Hemsky started off very slow, but eventually got into his groove. Although he had decent statistics, the Stars are still expecting more from the 6-0, 185 pound Czech Republic native.
Hemsky, although a Right Winger, might be spending some time as a Left Winger because of recent Stars acquisitions. Wherever he is on the ice, he plays a huge role on this Dallas Stars team.
More good news for Stars fans is that Hemsky is extremely confident in himself, and is ready to help the Victory Green win in this upcoming season.
Although he has been forced to rehabilitate for the majority of this off-season, Hemsky will also be ready to go on Opening Night. Not only that, but he will be 100%, and should not have to deal with any ice time limitations.
The Dallas Stars captain, and the 2014-2015 Art Ross trophy winner is truly a warrior.
After surgeries on BOTH of his hips, which normally lead to a four-to-five month rehabilitation, Jamie Benn has already been back skating on the ice again. Not only that, but Benn stated that he expects to be ready for the Season Opener on October 8th.
Stars fans have seen the passion and dedication within their Captain for many years, and this is really no surprise that he is far ahead of schedule.
With 35 goals, 52 assists and the most points in the NHL, Benn was nothing short of amazing this past season.
Jamie Benn has been the anchor and leader of this Dallas Stars team for many years now, and as the team’s expectations are at an all-time high, he will hope to lead this Stars team to a Stanley Cup run within the next few seasons.
The good news for Dallas Stars fans is that Nichuskin, Hemsky and Benn all should be good to go for Opening Night on October 8th against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Now, Stars fans hope that all three players, as well as the entire roster as a whole, stays healthy for the duration of this upcoming season.
Minor injuries happen to every team, every season. But if the Stars want to get back to the playoffs, and even make a deep run while they’re there, they can’t afford to lose someone to a major injury.
As always, thanks for reading, and leave your comments below!
Next: Dallas Stars Trade With Chicago: Who Got The Better Deal
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