Currently, there are 67 days remaining until the regular season begins and the Dallas Stars begin their quest to hoist the Stanley Cup. AS the off-season has continued on, there are many questions surrounding the Stars individual players.
Will Jamie Benn have a bounce-back season? Will Tyler Seguin post his best season in a Stars uniform? Can Miro Heiskanen avoid the sophomore slump? Interestingly though, there is one high profile Stars player who has not been talked enough about this offseason, John Klingberg.
Last season, John played in 64 games posting 45 points in the regular season and posted 9 points, including an amazing game-winning goal for the Stars against the Nashville Predators to send them into the second round. Despite missing over a month of the regular season, John still had a respectable season and would have likely finished near his point totals for the 2017-2018 season where he posted 67 points, including 59 assists. The Stars offense is still heavily influenced by the play of John Klingberg and his normal playing partner, Esa Lindell, certainly helps him play at his best. He still is the key to this Stars offense and, assuming he can avoid a freak injury like last season, he is poised to have a big season for the Dallas Stars.
The player who most benefits from the signing of Joe Pavelski is Klingberg. John’s best offensive attribute is his ability to get pucks through traffic to the front of the net which synchronizes so well with Pavelski who loves going to the front of the net to tip pucks into the net. Esa and Miro taking steps in their development also will help relieve some of the pressure on John to make plays as he will be able to rely on his partner and feel less stressed to have to make the perfect play.
Dallas has the potential to win the Stanley Cup this year given the acquisitions the team made this offseason. John Klingberg has flown under the radar this offseason while many speculate on how Jamie Benn will fare, despite his success last season, and if Tyler Seguin can post a 3rd straight 30 goal season. John is arguably the most important Dallas Star on the team due to his ability to possess the puck, hit the home run pass opening up breakaway opportunities, and his ability to get the puck on net despite traffic in front.
John has the opportunity for a career year with the addition of Pavelski and he should be considered for the Norris Trophy this year, after being snubbed for the past 2 seasons.
Featured Image: The Associated Press, thestar.com
