Dallas Stars improve their overall roster on day one of NHL free agency

The Dallas Stars did not hesitate to improve their roster on day one of NHL free agency today. After losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Finals last season, Jim Nill knew he needed to make some changes to the roster. With who they added today in free agency, I have no doubt that the Stars will be in contention of running it back next season. Some of these new players are coming from other Central Divsion teams. Let’s take a look at who the Stars signed today.

Dallas Stars Free Agency: 1. Matt Duchene-1 yr 3 million

Jim Nill made the biggest splash of the day by signing former Nashville Predator forward Matt Duchene to a 1 year, 3 million dollar contract. He had 56 points last season and led the team in goals with 22 of them. He was also the first 40-goal scorer in Nashville Predators history.

One of the big things that tripped up the Stars in the Western Confrence Finals was secondary scoring. Having Duchene in the lineup is definately going to help out with that. I think you will see him placed with Marchment and Seguin next season.

Dallas Stars Free Agency: 2. Sam Steel-1yr 850K

The Dallas Stars signed Minnesota Wild forward Sam Steel to a one year, $850,000 deal. The Stars are signing him to a “let’s see what you got” kind of deal. He had a 28 point season (10 goals and 18 assists) last season. Nill said in the press release above that Steel continues to improve year after year in this league. He will most likely fill in on the fourth line as the Stars look to get some scoring down on that line. It will be interesting to see how he does next season with this young core.

https://twitter.com/spittinchiclets/status/1648167182109491200?s=20

Dallas Stars Free Agency: 3. Craig Smith-1 yr 1 million

The Stars signed Washington Capitals forward Craig Smith as well today to a 1 year, 1 million dollar contract. He had 16 points (9 goals and 7 assists) last season playing for the Boston Bruins and the Washington Captials. He will be Luke Glendening’s replacement as Glendening signed with the Lightning today. Smith should do a fine job anchoring the fourth line in Glendening’s absence.

Dallas Stars Free Agency: 4. Joel Hanley- 2 yrs 1.56 million

The Dallas Stars are bringing back Joel Hanley on a two year, 1.56 million dollar contract. Hanley has been our 7th defenseman for awhile and Jim Nill decided to bring him back in case we have any injuries to defenseman this year. I’m in favor of bringing back Hanley, I think he is a great player to plug into the lineup. I just don’t like the deal he got personally. We got so many great defenseman prospects, I figured one of them could have won that position during training camp.