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Dallas Stars Holding Off On Big Moves Is Smart For Future

By Allison Scott |
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Tyler Seguin #91 of the Dallas Stars celebrates an empty-net goal, his third of the night against the Calgary Flames at the American Airlines Center on November 24, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Tyler Seguin #91 of the Dallas Stars celebrates an empty-net goal, his third of the night against the Calgary Flames at the American Airlines Center on November 24, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)

It’s officially the down time of the NHL offseason. The draft and free agency are basically in the rearview, and we’re all just waiting for the teams to get started with development camp and the preseason. With that said, any number of big moves could be made, but it’s good that the Dallas Stars are waiting.

As the days pass and countdowns to the regular season begin, it’s no wonder hockey fans are buzzing 24/7 about the possibility of a big move. The Dallas Stars have been anything but absent from the conversations about moving big name players, but their lack of action has proven helpful for the future in a number of ways.

Youth is the Future

Taking the first deal that someone throws your way could be a good decision. However, it could also be lowballing it, leaving you to regret it years down the line. Hockey is no different.

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Jim Nill has a vision for the Dallas Stars — that, admittedly was lost last season — and he’s looking to solidify them as a contender for years to come. What does that require? Prospects, players and a successful group of guys hitting the ice with consistency.

Dallas is arguably one or two pieces and a bit of luck away from a truly great run; but giving away some young guns that could prove to be extremely valuable down the line for a loaner is not on the priority list. Nill isn’t going to throw a wrench in the plans he has for the team for any big name player, especially not when the tenure of their stay is up in the air.

Negotiation Takes Time

If teams with key pieces to trade are asking too much, it’s imperative that Nill pushes back. That means long, long conversations and a series of going back-and-forth to get the right players for the right price. It also means analyzing what players should be moved based on how the Stars think they’ll be in the future.

That’s a tough position to be in, especially with the current roster aging each season and a big name guy awaiting a new contract. The talks with Tyler Seguin could also be slowing down the process of possibly getting Erik Karlsson or another big name guy. He might want to stay in Dallas, or he might want to test out a new city.

Of course, keeping No. 91 around is in the plans for the Stars, but figuring out how much money they can spend on him in addition to any acquisitions means crunching numbers. Again, that takes time.

Next: Stars UFAs without a New Home

Bottom Line

Moral of the story? Patience is key. Trades are gambles at the end of the day, and nothing is certain. However, considering the greatest hockey player of all time was traded, it’s safe to assume that no one is, well, safe.

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