Dallas Stars: Examining Their Stance At NHL Trade Deadline

The 2018 NHL Trade Deadline is just ten days away and there’s no telling what GM Jim Nill is thinking. As we wait for the energy to pick up, let’s figure out what the Dallas Stars should and shouldn’t aim for in the trade market.

This isn’t going to be a typical trade deadline for the Dallas Stars.

Ever since Jim Nill took over as general manager ahead of the 2013-14 season, the Stars have been consistent traders. Whether it’s the offseason or the trade deadline itself, Nill is never afraid to swing a deal.

The premise behind the deal is simple: make the team better. And for the most part, Nill has succeeded with that goal. He’s hauled in some big names via the trade block over the years, including Ben Bishop, Jason Spezza, and even role players like Greg Pateryn.

But there have been some disappointing separations as well. At the 2014 deadline, Nill shipped longtime Star Stephane Robidas to Anaheim for a draft pick. In 2015, he dealt Erik Cole to the Red Wings. Even with the Stars hitting their peak potential in 2016, Nill still traded budding prospect Jyrki Jokipakka.

Dallas Stars

And then we have the mass fire sale that was the 2017 trade deadline. The Dallas Stars sent Patrick Eaves, Jordie Benn, Johnny Oduya, and Lauri Korpikoski all to new homes in a matter of five days. As a result of the Stars’ lacking play, some changes had to be made and the team needed to be rebalanced.

Through all of these trades, Nill always had a common goal in mind: make the team better.

And so far in the 2017-18 season, they are proving that his actions were justified. The Dallas Stars currently boast a record of 33-20-4 with 70 points through 57 games. They are on pace for around 100 points, which would put them at a 21-point increase from last year’s struggles. In addition to that, 100-point teams almost always make it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

As the Stars begin to generate some steam and heat up, there is one more barrier that they have to cross between here and the home stretch: the 2018 trade deadline. And while they have spent the last few deadlines making headlines, this season could be different.

There’s an ongoing debate between Stars fans about the deadline (which is scheduled for Feb. 26). Some fans believe that Dallas should go all out and reel in a big name in order to boost their chances at winning it all this year. On the other hand, other fans think that the team is confident and capable enough to make a run with what they have right now. There are also some that are lost in the middle.

But while Dallas Stars fans stumble and search aggressively for an answer, Jim Nill already has a plan. He knows which players he will target, what he’s willing to give up, and how far he’s prepared to reach. Isn’t that reassuring?

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So how might Nill be thinking, specifically in terms of needs? What do the Dallas Stars need? Is there a specific area where Dallas could be markedly better? And what areas can the Stars avoid on the trade market?

Let’s break this down into three parts.

First off, the goaltending does not need to be touched. Ben Bishop and Kari Lehtonen are turning it up and playing at a consistent level. Both own a save percentage near .920 and have the Stars as one of the top teams in terms of goals against average in the league. That’s not easy for two veteran goalies to do, but they are making it work.

On top of that, Dallas can skip out on adding any big name defensemen. Once seen as an Achilles heel for the team, the Dallas Stars defense is now clicking and producing at an impressive level. The team is fifth in the league in goals against per game and all three pairs give Dallas a shutdown presence in the defensive zone. In addition to that, the return of Marc Methot from the IR will already provide yet another boost. Oh, and that won’t cost anything in terms of prospects or draft picks.

The only spot where the Dallas Stars may need to improve is within their top six on offense. While the team has plenty of prospect talent that will keep their offense succeeding for years to come, their top lines (specifically the second) may need an extra push.

At the moment, the Stars’ top line of Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Alexander Radulov may very well be the most intimidating line in hockey. They are fast on the puck, excellent in both ends of the ice, and get themselves on the scoresheet regularly.

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But the second line has a few question marks. A big, scoring winger could be just what they need to round out the offense. If the Stars can pay a moderate price for a player like Michael Grabner or even Rick Nash and get a player that can contribute both at even strength and on special teams, then why wouldn’t Jim Nill look into it?

The goaltending and defense seem to be getting better as the season goes along and could be nearing “unbelievable” status by the time the postseason gets here. And while the offense is doing well in its own regard, there’s an opportunity to get better. If it comes at the right price, Nill would be foolish not to look into it.

This year’s trade deadline will be interesting for a few different reasons for the Dallas Stars. There could very well be opportunities to get better, but the Stars will need to find the most cost-effective option and not put their future at risk simply for a boost this season.

It’s pretty clear that their only potential need is scoring power in the top six. Everything else is rolling at the moment.

Next: Trade Deadline Last Year Giving Stars Hope

And if scoring on the second line is the only thing they need help with come the deadline, that’s a pretty good place to be.