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

Dallas Stars fans are buzzing as the preseason action continues. While we anxiously draw closer to opening night, Blackout Dallas helps fill the void with our “All-Time Stars” series. Today, we’re ranking our top 5 defenseman in Dallas stars history.

5. Stephane Robidas (2003-2013)

Stephane Robidas was traded to the Dallas Stars by the Montreal Canadiens 24 games into the 2002-03 season. His tenure with Big D sadly ended when Robidas was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in 2013. The Quebec native played in 704 games with Dallas, tallying 211 points and 767 blocks.

One can make an argument for Trevor Daley in this spot due to playing more games and slightly better offensive production. However, Daley doesn’t come close to Robidas’ 1,315 hits registered as a member of the Stars.

The hits stat drives home the fact Robidas was a 5-10, 190 lbs. wrecking ball that epitomized physical play.

Robidas became somewhat of an ageless wonder as his Stars tenure wore on. He played in no less than 72 games a season for the Stars, excluding years of trades and lockouts. Speaking of which, Robidas played in all 48 games of the shortened 2012-13 season.

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.

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.