Blackout Dallas
Fansided

The three new Dallas Stars that will provide an immediate impact

By John Grux

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 28: Luke Glendening #41 of the Detroit Red Wings faces off against John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 28, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 28: Luke Glendening #41 of the Detroit Red Wings faces off against John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 28, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 17: Jani Hakanpaa #58 of the Carolina Hurricanes and Mathieu Olivier #25 of the Nashville Predators scuffle following a whistle during the second period in Game One of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 17, 2021 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 17: Jani Hakanpaa #58 of the Carolina Hurricanes and Mathieu Olivier #25 of the Nashville Predators scuffle following a whistle during the second period in Game One of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 17, 2021 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

3. D – Jani Hakanpää

What can the Dallas Stars do with a 6’5, 220-pound blueliner that has NHL playoff experience? The better question might be, what can’t they do?

Jain Hakanpää signed with the Stars for 3-years and $4.5 million following his last gig with the Carolina Hurricanes. Hakanpää is as strong and plays as physical as one would expect given his size. The 29-year old Finnish defenseman also skates very well and can fire torpedoes from the blueline if given opportunity.

There will be games that require a bigger, more physical lineup of which Hakanpää will be a difference-maker

Hakanpää’s impact with the Dallas Stars is identical to Ryan Reaves’ impact with the Vegas Golden Knights in recent seasons. There will be games that require a bigger, more physical lineup of which Hakanpää will be a difference-maker. We also expect some time on the penalty kill unit for the 2-year NHL veteran.

Like Suter, there were many teams interested in adding Hakanpää this season. Thankfully, he choose to sign with Dallas where he’ll be integrated with a handful of Finnish players. Playing with so many of his fellow countrymen should prevent any lengthy adjustment or awkward periods in Dallas.

Who are the new faces on the Dallas Stars that you think will provide an immediate impact? Find Blackout Dallas on Twitter and let us know. -J.G.

Home/Editorials