On Monday morning, the news broke that Dallas Stars forward Adam Cracknell had been claimed off of waivers. Though it may be heartbreaking news, it was only a matter of time given the Stars’ circumstances.
For sports fans, there will always be times of triumph and times of depression. On Monday morning, Dallas Stars fans felt the latter part.
On Sunday morning, the Stars waived forward Adam Cracknell in an attempt to place him in the AHL with the Texas Stars. In order to clear waivers, the player must remain on the waiver wire for 24 hours without being claimed by any opposing teams.
With just a few minutes remaining in Cracknell’s time, the call was made. The New York Rangers made a claim and just like that, Cracknell was off to the Big Apple.
Upon hearing it, you cannot help but feel for Cracknell, especially if you are a Dallas Stars fan. Since the Stars signed him in the summer of 2016, Cracknell had quickly become a fan favorite. His energy, determination, and pure grit were three qualities that made him well loved around the team.
Dallas Stars
For a 31-year-old that had only played in 134 NHL games and tallied 27 points before arriving in Dallas, his leadership and poise were infectious. His personality in the locker room and on the ice were unmatched.
Cracknell only played 69 games for Dallas last year, but it almost seemed as though the Stars were a different team whenever he was in the lineup. He set a career-high in goals with 10 and points with 16 during last season, with the crowning moment being his first career hat trick against the San Jose Sharks.
Adam Cracknell may not have been a superstar-caliber player, but he was an important depth piece that made the Stars better simply through his presence.
And now he’s gone. The Stars knew that the waiver wire is always a gamble, and they played the hand and lost.
Or did they?
As much as it may sting to lose fan-favorite players, the Dallas Stars did this for a reason. GM Jim Nill took a chance on waivers, knowing that the team would be okay regardless of what happened.
If Cracknell cleared waivers and went to the AHL, it would give Dallas a chance to call up a younger, and faster forward that is ready for the NHL and chomping at the bit for playing time. It would also provide the Texas Stars with another boost of leadership and energy under Cracknell.
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If they lost Cracknell to waivers, it would still give the Stars a chance to bring in a player like Jason Dickinson or Remi Elie. It would also afford Cracknell a new chance on a different team.
The summer moves made by the Stars handcuffed players like Cracknell. Not only did the Stars completely revamp their roster and add in veteran talent, but they also still needed to find a spot for their talented rookies. With both of those situations closing in on them, bubble depth players like Cracknell were put in a bind.
But in the end, it was the best move for the team. It gives Cracknell a chance to take his talent and drive and hopefully apply it on a more regular basis in a new location. On the other hand, the Dallas Stars have an open spot for young players to come in and continue making an impact like they did last season.
Next: Stars' Success Will Take Time And Positivity
Adam Cracknell was one of the hardest workers on the ice and nicest people in the locker room for the Stars. Even though he only lasted a little over one season, we send our best wishes and good luck to Cracknell as he starts his new journey. Enjoy the Big Apple.
Who will the Stars call up now? That’s anyone’s guess. We should find out here soon.