Dallas Stars: Five Potential Players To Target At NHL Trade Deadline

The 2018 NHL Trade Deadline is less than a week away and no one is quite sure how the Dallas Stars will approach it. If they do decide to go shopping, here are five names they could be interested in.

The next six days could drastically alter how the Dallas Stars finish their 2017-18 regular season. As crazy as it may seem, it’s true.

As the final week of February ticks down, the annual NHL Trade Deadline makes its way into the spotlight. It happens every year and creates some of the season’s hottest storylines. That being said, it’s one of the most interesting and intriguing times of the year.

But what makes it so intriguing? It’s pretty simple. For a one or two week period, you have 31 NHL teams thinking 31 different ways. Not only does every team adopt the title of “buyer”, “seller”, or “neutral”, but there are also a variety of stances within each of those titles.

It’s also fun to watch your team take a stab at finding their ideal match at the deadline. Are they in a bad year and planning on selling some fan-favorite or veteran pieces with expiring contracts? Or maybe they are succeeding and need one or two big pieces in order to round their team out.

Dallas Stars

But how much does each team need to pull in or deal out? That’s the primary question as we approach the deadline. And for the Dallas Stars, it really could go either way.

There is significant debate in regards to the Stars at the deadline for the first time in Jim Nill’s tenure as general manager. In 2013-14, they were “on the fence” buyers; in 2014-15, they were clear sellers; and in 2015-16, they were definite buyers. Then we all know what happened last season.

But this season, it could go either way. On the one hand, the Dallas Stars are playing impressive hockey down the stretch and look to be clicking on all cylinders. Their offense is explosive, their defense is one of the best in the NHL, and both goaltenders are reliable more often than not. Why mess it up by adding a new asset when it’s working well right now?

On the other hand, however, there’s no hurt in adding new talent. The Stars still look somewhat shaky in their play at times, so rounding out the gaps in the roster could be a good thing. And with the market being as stocked as it is this season, now is the perfect time to capitalize for the playoff push.

But Nill isn’t going to jump to any conclusions this year. If there is a sensible deal that is for the right price, he’ll look into it. If it’s too steep, he’ll be content with sticking with his current lineup.

Whichever way you may lean on the subject, one thing is for sure: some help on offense could potentially do the Dallas Stars some good. With that being said, who are some targets that the Stars could go after at the deadline?

Let’s take a quick look at five sensible options that Dallas could look into over the next few days. Whether the price is right or not is a different conversation. But as of right now, here are five players that could make a sizable impact in the Stars’ lineup just in time for the playoff push.

Rick Nash

Age: 33

Height/Weight: 6’4, 211 lb.

Years left on contract: UFA this offseason

Yes, the Dallas Stars and Rick Nash have been linked together for the past few weeks in regards to the deadline. And yes, Nash is a proven winger that can spark an offense. He’s been a key catalyst in the New York Rangers’ forward group for the past few seasons and knows how to play his position and do it well.

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On top of that, he’s a forward with dominant size. He knows how to use it when controlling the puck and sustaining an offensive rush. On top of that, he is also a speedy player with impressive skating skills.

Union and Blue

If the Stars were to rope in Nash, he would likely make a sizable impact on the Dallas offense. He is used to Ken Hitchcock’s system considering he used to play under Hitch in Columbus, so that part is squared away. In addition to that, he would bring an impressive scoring punch to the second line that would give Dallas a threatening top six.

But there are a few red flags that come into play in this deal. The first one has to do with the return price. Nash is hands-down one of the most popular names on the block, and there will be plenty of teams calling. Will that cause the price to jack up?

Nill will have to play this one smart if he goes after Nash. New York could be wanting a hefty amount in return, and is jeopardizing the Stars’ future by trading away valuable assets worth getting a player who is likely nothing more than a rental until the summer?

Another flag is the other options on the market. While Nash is still playing well and would fit in the Stars’ salary cap, the market seems to be offering other options that are both younger and cheaper.

At the age of 33, Nash has 18 goals and 28 points in 60 games with the Rangers this season. Is there another option out there that could give the Stars a better bang for their buck?

Whether Nill even looks into a short-term rental with Nash or not, these are factors that will come into play. Nash could definitely bolster the Dallas offense, but whether he’s worth the payment or not is the looming question.

Max Pacioretty

Age: 29

Height/Weight: 6’2, 206 lb.

Years left on contract: UFA in 2019 offseason ($4.5 million)

Let me start by saying that I would openly welcome a trade for Max Pacioretty (as long as it’s for the right price).

At the age of 29, Pacioretty is in the prime of his NHL career. He’s posted 60+ points in each of his last four seasons with the Canadiens and is a staple in the Montreal offense.

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The thing about Pacioretty is he’s an excellent two-way player. Not only is he a powerful player in the offensive zone, but he’s also very effective on defense. He can also play on the power play and penalty kill. He already has a shorthanded goal this season along with 14 points on the power play.

Considering the Canadiens are suffering a down year after getting out to a slow start, rumors are starting to spread that Pacioretty could be trade bait. If the Dallas Stars could lock him up, Pacioretty would definitely give the team an extensive boost in all areas.

His contract isn’t entirely egregious and the Stars could definitely fit him into the fold. But considering he is another solid winger that adds firepower and can compete in a variety of situations, will his price be high also?

Montreal could still hold onto Pacioretty if the price isn’t right considering he still has a bright future ahead of him and is already a capable and determined leader.

But still, you can’t say that it wouldn’t be fun to see him skating alongside Jason Spezza on the second line all the while knowing that the Stars got a good deal for him. In addition to that, he could also be a part of the Stars’ future.

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.

Eyes On Isles

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.

Thomas Vanek

Age: 34

Height/Weight: 6’2, 214 lb.

Years left on contract: UFA this offseason

You’re probably wondering why an aging winger like Thomas Vanek made this list. Isn’t he practically on the brink of retirement? Can he even find the back of the net anymore?

Well, yes, he can still find the back of the net. And on top of that, he can do it for cheap.

Sabre Noise

Vanek spent the first few years of his career with the Buffalo Sabres, but has donned an impressive six different jerseys in the past five seasons. He has bounced around the league and been in a few different systems, but has kept his production at an efficient level.

In 59 games with the Vancouver Canucks this season, Vanek has 16 goals and 40 points. He’s a gritty winger that can provide a physical force in front of the opposing net. Think Martin Hanzal, only a little smaller.

Vanek is still a talented winger with some gas left in the tank and could be a solid rental for Dallas. He is one of the cheapest options on the market and the Canucks definitely aren’t insistent on keeping him around.

He is one of the higher up choices on the trading block this year. But considering his age, he may not be the first idea in the minds of different GMs. That being said, there’s a chance that Nill could swing a deal for cheap with a Canucks team that is focused on the future.

The only question in Vanek’s case would be how he fits when compared to the other options. While some of the other players listed can do multiple services and still provide quality production, Vanek is a step behind what he used to be. Would it be worth it to stay out on other potential trade options and go for Vanek? That may not be the smartest move.

If the other potential acquisitions cost too much, Vanek could be a solid and cheap rental acquisition that could really boost the Dallas Stars’ depth scoring. But there is a debate to be had on whether he should be the Stars first or even second option or not.