NHL Free Agent Frenzy started with fireworks already popping off for some teams. One of those is not the Dallas Stars. Yes, the Stars signed a few Free Agents but two major players are still RFAs. Jason Robertson and Jake Oettinger are still not re-signed and that should concern Stars fans with each passing day. The newest Stars are Mason Marchment and Colin Miller who add much-needed assistance. There is also the question of John Klingberg. The last few days were eventful, but not really.
The Star Killer Heads East
Perhaps the most massive move so far in Free Agency is Johnny Gaudreau going from the Calgary Flames to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Who saw that one coming? His biggest goal will always be the one that ended the Stars’ season in Game 7 Overtime in this year’s first round. The bad man can’t hurt the Stars anymore unless it’s in the Stanley Cup Final.
Otter and Robo Need Contracts
Another move no one saw coming is still no movement on the Oettinger and Robertson front. There is still north of $11 million in available cap space to re-sign these players. Oettinger and Robertson are the future of this franchise. Letting these players go via offer sheet is unacceptable.
Klingberg Gone? Probably.
Klingberg still has yet to sign with an NHL team. The Stars have 7 defensemen under contract. It’s starting to look like Klingberg is out. But who knows, this Free Agency is not going to plan.
New Stars
Mason Marchment and Colin Miller are the two Free Agency signings over the last few days. Marchment’s 18 goals last season with the Florida Panthers is enough to help the struggling depth scoring the Stars had all last season. Colin Miller from the Buffalo Sabres can provide solid depth defenseman minutes.
There should already be more action in this Free Agency. Patience is key because the best is still yet to come. Signing Oettinger and Robertson is by far the most critical to the long-term success of this team. If these two get re-signed, then it’s full steam ahead to 2023.
