The Dallas Stars don’t score goals, and they need goals to win… That’s why they need to add a top six forward. That’s the analysis! Have a good day!
All joking aside, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period went on NHL Network recently and reported that the Stars may be looking to add a top six forward.
With Benn and Seguin healthy, the Stars are looking for a top six forward to play alongside them.@TheFourthPeriod | #NHLNow pic.twitter.com/DkgLCtLUZL
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) July 6, 2022
When you look at the Stars’ top 6 forwards, there is a lot to be excited about because of the possibilities. Obviously, the minutemen line of Joe Pavelski, Roope Hintz, and Jason Robertson will stick together as the top line as long as they are productive, but what about the second line? Last season, that second line was a mixture of Tyler Seguin or Jamie Benn in the middle with a rotation of Seguin, Benn, Denis Gurianov, Vladislav Namestnikov, and several others on the wings.
This also included seeing waivers pick-up Marian Studenic at times playing with Seguin and Benn. In my opinion, this furthered my belief the Stars were desperate in finding a solid second line to ease the pressure on the top line to score.
I am going to go ahead and say that Benn would be most effective at this point in his career being the third line center. I would hope to see him turn into what Jordan Staal is for the Carolina Hurricanes. Staal is a very good 3rd line center that can fill in on the second line when injuries are there, but he is very solid defensively and puts up good numbers for a 3rd liner. I think many Stars’ fans may disagree with me. However, that argument is for another day.
So, that means we’re looking for two players to fill the wings next to Seguin on the second line. Looking forward to next year, there are many combinations you could go with assuming Seguin is in the middle.
Under a new head coach, could Gurianov become the winger the Stars envisioned him to be when he was drafted? Could one of the big three prospects in Wyatt Johnston, Logan Stankoven, or Mavrik Bourque shine in training camp and claim one of the wings alongside Seguin?
What about Jacob Peterson? He was one player throughout the season that showed flashes of offensive potential. Not to mention, in the rookie season this past year, he scored twelve goals playing very limited minutes in a veteran-heavy roster. Not to mention, don’t forget about the 2020-2021 AHL Rookie of The Year Riley Damiani and Ty Dellandrea who looks like he’s ready for a permanent role on the big squad.
So, why am I thinking we need a top six forward? I mean, I did just mention seven different players who could fill those wings next to Seguin on the second line.
Because right now, Seguin is the only proven forward on the second line that can score goals. Could any or multiple of those seven guys come out and score bunches? Yes, but there is no proof at the NHL level (other than maybe Peterson) that any of these guys will!
Despite what some fans may believe, this team believes they are in a win-now mode and they expect to be competitive next year. This team needs a forward that can play with Seguin, that has in the past reliably pitched in 20+ goals and 50+ points, and that won’t put the team in cap hell.
Do such hockey players exist? I will be diving into free agent market in my next article with players who could do exactly that. Stay tuned!