The NHL Trade Deadline is one month out. Teams prepare for franchise-altering decisions to win the Stanley Cup. Those with no shot at the playoffs become sellers while teams that want the Cup become buyers. They give up prospects/draft picks to the sellers for their players. The Dallas Stars have a decision to make this month. Do they become buyers or sellers? The best decision for them is neither. Setting up for a playoff run is always difficult but the Stars might have something going. They’ll need their players for the playoffs. It’s all up to Jim Nill.
Where They Stand
Lots of teams are vying for the wildcard spots. Making the playoffs is the number one priority for the Stars. Anything else is a bust. They are currently in fighting for the final wildcard spot. This could be one of those playoff races that go down to the wire. The Los Angeles Kings are right ahead of them.
Can’t Buy
$0 is all the Stars have in cap space. They’ll have to get rid of somebody if they want another player. A 1-for-1 trade will happen if they go down this road.
Who to Sell
Joe Pavelski, Alexander Radulov, John Klingberg, and Braden Holtby are all free agents at the season’s end. If the Stars are sellers at the deadline then hold on. The return for these players could set this franchise up for years to come. It’s also a double-edged sword. These players are vital to a playoff run but have great trade value. Imagine how many 1st Round draft picks they can get.
Do Nothing
It’s best to do nothing. They need these players if they want a shot at the Stanley Cup. The road to the Stanley Cup is difficult with teams like the Colorado Avalanche standing in the way. It all depends on their play until deadline day. If they start losing then yes trade these players.
The 2022-2023 Stars will not have the same roster. There are lots of free agents coming up. Free Agent Frenzy is a long way away. The focus now is making the playoffs. The Stars have an interesting road ahead.
Photo Credit: Dallas Stars Twitter
