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

1 Dec 2000: Sergei Zubov #56 of the Dallas Stars looks on the ice during the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. The Avelanche defeated the Stars 4-2.Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport

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.

A BLAST from Sergei Zubov!

Modano sets him up for his first of the playoffs! Stars take a 2-1 lead in the second. @FOXSportsSW | #GoStars pic.twitter.com/titD7drxmx
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) May 4, 2020

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.