1. Valeri Nichushkin
As funny as it may seem, the player that will likely play the most influential role of all newcomers for the Dallas Stars this season isn’t even a true newcomer.
Just a little over two years ago, Valeri Nichushkin was skating in game seven of the Western Conference Semifinals as a member of the Dallas Stars. And at the time, there was no thought of him leaving the NHL to return to Russia, especially considering he was only 21 at the time.
But that’s what happened. After three seasons with Dallas, Nichushkin became an RFA and was unable to come to terms on a new contract with the team. As a result, he signed a two-year deal in the KHL and left the Stars just weeks before the start of the 2016-17 season. And while he wasn’t one of the team’s superstar players, he was definitely missed in the offensive ranks. It’s also never easy watching one of your first-round picks voluntarily leave the team.
Nichushkin returned to Russia and played two years in an effort to further develop his skills and prove his value to the Stars organization.
It seems to have worked. After months of reports and rumors, Nichushkin officially signed a two-year deal with Dallas on July 1. The deal carries an AAV of $2.95 million and ended up being the Stars’ biggest acquisition cost-wise on the opening day of free agency.
So why should things be any different? When Nichushkin played his first stint with Dallas, injuries and inconsistencies contributed to the young winger falling from a productive rookie season into a serious funk. Is he really going to be any better?
He very well should be, and the Dallas Stars are counting on that happening.
The reason Nichushkin will have such a significant impact on the Stars’ success this year is because he was brought in to fill the team’s biggest hole from the 2017-18 season.
After avoiding any big name acquisitions though trade or free agency throughout July, the assumption is that Nichushkin will slot in as the right winger on the second line to start the season. That’s where some of the Dallas Stars’ biggest question marks lie going into next year.
Last season, the second line became a liability for Dallas. While their first line was dominant and their bottom six did alright, their second line lacked the necessary talent and production that teams need in order to be successful. As a result, their offense stalled down the stretch and turned into a primary factor in Dallas missing the postseason.
Many thought that Nill would go out and land a superstar player to slot in the top six in free agency, but he settled instead with bringing Nichushkin back.
That’s definitely a high risk, but could also come with a high reward. In Jim Montgomery’s new scheme and with a more developed Nichushkin, the Stars’ second line could be in good hands. But a lot will rely on how quickly Nichushkin can acclimate back to NHL play and familiarize himself with his teammates and with the new system.
“Val’s a top-10 pick in the NHL, played in the NHL when he was 18, and was a very effective player,” Nill said shortly after making the signing official on July 1. “He missed one full year because of hip surgery and because of that, he probably had a little bit of a frustrating, slow start to the next year. And then, unfortunately, because of contract situation or wanting to go play back home, he did that.
“But he’s a player. He’s been playing on the Russian national team, which is one of the top teams in the world. We’re getting a better player back and he’s excited to be coming back. He’s 6’4, he can skate, and he’s a bull on the puck. So, we’re looking forward to his addition.”
Though there’s an argument for a few of the new players, Nichushkin is probably the team’s most important offseason acquisition. He will play a significant role in helping get the offense back on track. The real question is whether he will be able to follow through.