Paul Stastny
Surprise. You all thought I was going to say John Tavares, didn’t you? That possibility has been covered extensively, so instead, let’s take a look at another option.
Last Year’s Cap Hit: $7,000,000
Last Year’s Stats: 16 G, 37 A, 53 P, 81 GP
Paul Stastny was a trade deadline rental for the Jets last season and he had a great postseason with 6 goals and 9 assists over Winnipeg’s three-round run. He’s not at the same level he was when his career began. He had over 70 points in three of his first four seasons, earning him $6.6 million after his entry-level contract was up. However, he’s still played reliably over the past few years and he doesn’t need to come in and be the top center.
Why the Stars Should Sign Him: The Dallas Stars were supposed to have a reliable second-line center in Jason Spezza, but he hasn’t been looking like himself. They’re also supposed to have a reliable second-line center in Martin Hanzal, but he spent half the season injured and his availability to start next season is in question. With both of them missing, the Stars have a major problem at center despite most of the roster being made up of guys who are natural centers, which is a whole different article. It’s a problem that needs addressing and Stastny could be the guy to fix it.
Why the Stars Shouldn’t Sign Him: If John Tavares signs with Dallas, obviously his services would not be needed. Age is another problem, as Stastny is already 32 and not looking like the player he started as. After watching both Spezza and Patrick Sharp struggle in the past few years, Stars fans may be understandably leery of an older player who is showing signs of decline. They also shouldn’t sign him if they can’t move one of Spezza and Hanzal, because that’s too much potential money to tie up filling one hole on the roster with guys who may or may not be able to solve the problem.
Other options include: Joe Thornton on a one-year contract, John Tavares.