All-Time Stars: The top 5 defenseman in Dallas Stars history

John Klingberg (2014-Present)

John Klingberg is already a top 5 defenseman in Dallas Stars history. It is no wonder why many Stars fans are anxious for the team to re-sign him to a new contract.

Klingberg was drafted by Dallas in the 5th round of the 2010 NHL draft. The Swede entered NHL action in 2014, providing an immediate impact on the Stars lineup as a 22-year old. To date, Klingberg has accumulated 327 points over 478 games played.

John Klingberg has been a jack of all trades for the Dallas Stars. His 6-3, 190 lbs. frame is imposing on the defensive end. Additionally, Klingberg’s puck-handling along the blue line makes him an offensive threat from the perimeter.

Klingberg is a 3-time All-Star and finalist in Byng, Norris, and Calder Trophy voting. The 29-year old was also a member of the NHL All-Rookie team in 2014.

It took 7 seasons for Klingberg to reach such franchise heights. With a new, longterm contract, the blue liner could eventually emerge as the greatest defenseman in Dallas Stars history.

3. Darryl Sydor (1995-2003, 2006-07, 2008-09)

The Dallas Stars and Darryl Sydor had a relationship so special that it included three separate tenures.

Sydor was originally the 7th overall pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 1990 NHL draft. The Edmonton native underwhelmed in his time on the West Coast. The Kings eventually traded the defenseman to Dallas in February of 1996.

Darryl Sydor was a key piece of the Dallas Stars 1999 Stanley Cup Championship team. He joined Sergei Zubov to form one of the most formidable offensive attacks from the blue line in NHL history.

Sydor’s best NHL seasons came between 1996 and 1999, when he accumulated 3 All-Star selections and Norris Trophy finalist honors. He also accumulated 334 points over 714 games played with the Dallas Stars.

2. Derian Hatcher (1991-2003)

Derian Hatcher’s tenure began as a 19-year old with the Minnesota North Stars. By the time he was 26, the Michigan native was the first American-born captain of a Stanley Cup Championship team.

Hatcher was as physical as defenseman come. It would be an understatement to say Hatcher at 6-5, 235 lbs. was imposing on opposing forwards. Individual defensive metrics like hits and blocks were not recorded during Hatcher’s Stars tenure. If such stats were, one can only imagine how large they would be.

Derian Hatcher remains the longest tenured captain in Dallas Stars history. However, his 12 years and 827 games played with the franchise have not resulted in his No. 5 being retired.

Hatcher was an 8-time All-Star with Calder and Norris Trophy finalist honors to his resume. Offensively, he contributed 71 goals and 223 assists to the Stars. His tenure in Dallas also included 1,380 penalty minutes.

1. Sergei Zubov (1996-2009)

One would be pressed to find a more decorated defenseman with a single franchise than Sergei Zubov was with the Dallas Stars.

Zubov was a 5th round draft pick of the New York Rangers in 1990. In 2019, the Russian defenseman was inducted into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame. Zubov’s No. 56 will be retired by the Dallas Stars in January of 2022, a testament to his place in franchise history.

The Stars acquired Zubov via trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1996. He accumulated 11 All-Star selections, in addition to Byng and Norris Trophy finalist honors for most of his career. As a matter of fact, Zubov was a Norris Trophy finalist in every year of his Stars tenure except 2002 and 2009.

Zubov was a consummate tactician on the ice, using body position and stick skills to gain the advantage. He was also extremely productive on the offensive end of the ice during an era where NHL scoring was low. Zubov owns 549 points over the 839 games he played with the Dallas Stars. –J.G.