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Dallas Stars’ Possible Mistakes In Expansion Draft Protection List

By Allison Scott

Dec 29, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) flips a puck during warmups prior to the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) flips a puck during warmups prior to the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Stars
Feb 20, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) skates against the Boston Bruins during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Bruins defeat the Stars 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Protected: Valeri Nichushkin

This choice is one of the more questioned decisions Nill made in determining the list. While Valeri Nichushkin was a high draft pick by the Stars, he opted to leave the NHL in favor of signing in the KHL. His contract still has one more year on it, leaving many people confused about Dallas protecting him.

Honestly, the confused are right. It makes very little sense to protect a player like Nichushkin when he can’t even play for the team next season. Dallas used one of their forward spots to shield the rights to former No. 43, not the player himself.

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While Nichushkin has been highly revered for his abilities, he has yet to show any real promise in the NHL. He’s demanded more money than his play has ever prompted and when he didn’t get his way, he abandoned the Stars altogether.

Why Nill opted to keep his rights around seems like a waste of space, especially with quality players who have been successful in the NHL left vulnerable.

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