2022 is upon us and with it brings the return of Dallas Stars hockey. 17 days between games left fans waiting for what felt like an eternity. Thursday’s rollercoaster of a game kicked off 2022 with a 6-5 shootout win. It’s good news one day and bad news the next. Apparently, Stars defenseman John Klingberg has requested a trade out of the organization. This may come as a shock to most of you or on the horizon for some. 2022 will be a much different year than last, especially with the upcoming free agency. Of course, we can’t forget the rampancy of Covid. Here is a look ahead on an eventful 2022 for the Stars.
Game 1 of Many
Six Flags is open Saturdays and Sundays through February. If you want a different roller coaster ride just watch a Stars game. What a game on Thursday that was. The Florida Panthers came to town as one of the top teams in the NHL. Each team had multiple lead changes and momentum swings. Stars fans feared the worst when the Panthers tied the game 5-5 with 28.5 seconds left. Overtime was a little nutty but the Stars got the job done with a perfect shootout. Buckle up if this is a sign for the future. Regardless, Stars fans are glad to be back after an unscheduled 17-day break.
Klingberg on the Move?
Rumor mills are spinning. Rumors of John Klingberg requesting a trade sent hockey Twitter abuzz. Klingberg’s contract ends after this season and he deserves a long-term contract. Trading him is the best option if the Stars are not offering a contract extension. At least a trade will get something in return. This is one of the many things in a guaranteed busy offseason for the Stars. Many of their players are free agents on the season’s end. These include leading scorer Joe Pavelski and Alexander Radulov, among others. The front office will have a busy July.
Go Away Covid
Covid in the NHL is starting to sound like a broken record. More games are bound to get moved. Fans are well aware of the implications moving forward. Could the league make another bubble? Year 3 of Covid begins now and it’s not going away anytime soon.
We can all celebrate that Stars hockey is back. 2022 is off to a wild start with more craziness coming. Who knows what the future holds but one thing is for sure. Stars fans will not have a quiet year.
Photo Credit: Dallas Stars Twitter
