Rumors are heating up as we close in on the NHL Awards show, and the newest one out is that the Vegas Golden Knights will select Dallas Stars center Cody Eakin.
Here come the rumors. Over the past few hours, it’s been reported that players like Erik Haula and Marc-Andre Fleury have been officially selected and/or signed by the Vegas Golden Knights.
And now the Dallas Stars are in on it. A few minutes ago, it was reported that the Golden Knights will be selecting center Cody Eakin as their pick from the Stars’ organization.
Before we go any further, remember that this is only a rumor for now. Nothing will be made official until tonight when the Golden Knights announce their roster at the NHL Awards show on NBCSN.
But this is an interesting development to follow nonetheless. It’s obvious that Eakin is probably the most talented and valuable player on the Dallas Stars’ exposed list, but there were many speculations as to which direction the Golden Knights would go when selecting their Star.
More from Blackout Dallas
- Dallas Stars Traverse City Tournament: Who had great performances?
- Grushnikov and Stankoven lead Dallas Stars to 6-3 win over Columbus
- Dallas Stars prospects look to wrap up tournament with a win
- Burn the tapes: Dallas Stars prospects lose 5-1 to Toronto Maple Leafs
- Dallas Stars look to continue success today against the Maple Leafs
Dan Hamhuis, Patrik Nemeth, and Jamie Oleksiak were all valid options that had a case to be picked, but from the beginning it seemed as though Eakin had the most upside and that Vegas would be foolish not to select him if he was on the board (which he is).
Source tells me #Winnipeg's & now former #Stars forward Cody Eakin is a Las Vegas #GoldenKnights #NHLExpansionDraft #NHL
— Jim Toth (@JimTothSports) June 21, 2017
Like we said, this is not a done deal until Vegas calls his name out tonight during the NHL Awards show.
But if it’s true, the Dallas Stars will be losing a 26-year-old center coming off of the worst year of his career. After missing the first five weeks of the season due to an injury, he stepped back in the lineup but was never able to find his true form. He finished the season with three goals and 12 points.
To put things in perspective, Eakin had put up 35, 40, and 35 points in the three seasons prior. It may not have been fair to assess his one bad season this past year as a reason to expose him, but at the end of the day the Dallas Stars are stacked at center and should not have a problem with filling the void. Not to mention that they had seven forwards with significant value that were protected.
Eakin could be a valuable asset for Vegas if he can rebound from his bad season. And a fresh start might be the best thing for both sides. It would also mean that Eakin would be in Dallas for the first game of the regular season, giving Stars fans a chance to see him for the first time in a new atmosphere.
Next: A Few Thoughts On Stars' Season Opener vs. Vegas
One more reminder that this is not confirmed yet. It’s only been reported a few times as a possibility. But it is quickly gaining speed and following. And why wouldn’t Vegas take Eakin if he’s available?