Dallas Stars: Five Potential Players To Target At NHL Trade Deadline
By Josh Clark
Michael Grabner
Age: 30
Height/Weight: 6’1, 188 lb.
Years left on contract: UFA this offseason
Out of all of the potential players on the trading block at this year’s deadline, Michael Grabner may be the one that makes the most sense for the Dallas Stars.
Throughout the 2017-18 season, there has been a significant culture shock for the Stars. That shock has to do primarily with their focus on the ice. Under new head coach Ken Hitchcock, Dallas is now not only more defensively determined on the ice, but is also seeing incredible balance in all three ends and on special teams.
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Grabner would simply add on to that. As another one of the trade bait pieces from the New York Rangers, there’s a good chance that Grabner will find a new home before the end of the month. That makes sense considering his skill set.
Not only is he an insanely fast skater, but he is also a dedicated defensive forward and plays smart in his zone. He’s a terrific penalty killer and is a solid veteran piece in the Rangers offense. He has 25 goals and 31 points in 59 games this season, which is pretty impressive for a second line winger.
He seems to fit the Dallas mold well and owns a cheap cap hit. So why wouldn’t the Stars pounce?
Well, for the same reason that the other players listed above might not make their way to Dallas. The asking price could be an arm and a leg for a player of Grabner’s caliber. He could provide a spark for a lot of different playoff teams and add some much needed tools to their arsenal.
With that being said, a bidding war could ensue. And the last thing that Nill wants is a bidding war.
Still, it would be interesting to see no. 40 playing second line minutes in Dallas as well as helping out on the PK. It’s an interesting rental idea to think about, that’s for sure.