Trade Deadline Series: Grading the Stars trades at the deadline
The Dallas Stars surprised their fans at the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline this year as they made two trades that could help them in the short term. In the past, Jim Nill and the Dallas Stars have stayed put at the deadline and went with who they currently had on the roster. Let’s break down the trades and see what grades Blackout Dallas gives them.
Trade Deadline: Stars aqcuire Scott Wedgewood for a 2023 4th round conditional pick
Grade: A+
The Stars traded for Coyotes goaltender Scott Wedgewood the night before the deadline for a 2023 4th round pick. That pick could turn into a 3rd round pick in 2023 if the Stars end up making the playoffs this season.
Fans were puzzled when the Stars traded for Wedgewood because they currently have Braden Holtby and Anton Khudobin under contract. A little bit later it was announced that Holtby is still recovering from an injury and needed more time.
The reason i’m giving the trade an A+ is the Stars need a goaltender with experience going into the final month of the season. Adam Scheel hasn’t even started an NHL game and wouldn’t be an ideal backup for Jake Oettinger.
The Stars only gave up a draft pick for him and didn’t trade away any of our future goaltending prospects for him. So far, Wedgewood has already been inserted into the lineup and helped the Stars to a victory. Even if he is here for just the remainder of this season, the Stars saved their playoff chances with this trade.
Trade Deadline: Stars acquire Vladislav Namestnikov for a 2024 4th round conditional pick
Grade: B-
The Stars made one more move at the deadline and that was trading for Red Wings forward Vladislav Namestnikov right at the deadline. He does bring scoring depth as he has 13 goals and 12 assists in 60 games this season.
The reason I’m giving this pick a B- is while we didn’t give the Red Wings any of our future for him, it’s more than likely he wont return this offseason to the Stars. His contract expires at the end of the year and It seemed like Nill was helping out his former employer.
The Stars could have easily called up one our top prospects from the Texas Stars for the remainder of the year to fill that void in the lineup. They would already know what system Rick Bowness runs and would have been a easy seamless transition on the bottom line pairs.
Trade Deadline Series: Conclusion
Nill and the Stars made some pretty smart deals at the deadline that will help the team out in the short term. Now with the trade deadline in the rear view mirror, the Stars look to give it their all in the final month of the season to get into the NHL Playoffs this season. Stay tuned to Blackout Dallas for all of your Stars news and pre and post game reports.