Dallas Stars Have Opportunity for Significant Improvement in Near Future
With the NHL Entry Draft nearing closer and closer and free agency looming, change is in the air for the Dallas Stars. And it’s perfect timing because they can craft the best team this city’s seen in years.
New has been a theme around the Dallas Stars for a while now. Whether it’s ownership, player personnel or coaching staff alterations, the team has been open to making adjustments as needed.
The 2018 NHL Entry Draft and free agency soon after make for the perfect storm of possibility for a Stars team desperate for success.
Young Guns
Whether it’s a diamond in the rough like Jamie Benn or a franchise-changer like second overall pick Tyler Seguin, the draft is a way to replenish and refocus an organization.
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It’s by no means a stretch to say that teams change direction from the draft on an almost yearly basis — would the Pittsburgh Penguins have won back-to-back championships without having won the Sidney Crosby lottery? That’s a tough sell.
And that kind of opportunity is something to be excited about. Dallas has a lot of pieces in place, but they have failed in the last few seasons to make them all truly click. While success is dependent on more than just one draft pick, they can build a brighter future with the right selections.
Trade Up
Big name players are ready to test the free agency market to see what they’re worth. While it’s far from a cost-effective way of building a team, open season on some great talent in the league is always appealing.
Will the Stars get in on the Ilya Kovalchuk return to the NHL? Would a return of James Neal to Dallas make sense? Could the Stars go after a backup goaltender?
Honestly, anything could happen, which is equal parts exciting and terrifying. All that needs to be said about moves the Stars make is that they have to be really intelligent. We need Jim Nill to be fully focused on what direction this team is going and only sign or trade for players who fit within that structure. Yes, that might mean avoiding the shiny, big name player everyone wants; but it’s in the best interest of the team moving forward.
Next: Dallas Stars Draft Details Explained
The Great Unknown
This time of year is exhilarating, but it’s especially thrilling because the draft will be at the American Airlines Center this year — it’s a mere FIVE days away. So buckle up Stars fans, and prepare yourselves for whatever comes next.