The Fireworks of Independence Day are now over, with the Stars setting off some of their own.
It’s been 10 years since the Stars traded for Tyler Seguin in that blockbuster deal with the Boston Bruins. Jim Nill made more moves at the start of Free Agency as he is also in his 10th year with the team.
The Stars made big splashes in Free Agency, acquiring players like Matt Duchene. 2023-2024 will have a different team as new players come in while others leave. Next year’s team is coming together, so let’s see what happens.
Predators Buyout Duchene
The Nashville Predators bought out the contract of Matt Duchene. The Stars immediately jumped on the opportunity to acquire him for a 1-year $3 million deal. This is not quite like Corey Perry joining the Stars after being a long-time opponent, but it’s close.
Duchene is a “Star-Killer” with a plethora of games, goals, and points against the Stars during his tenure with the Avalanche and Predators. He finished second in points, with the Predators scoring 56 points last year. Duchene is an incredible forward that brings great goal-scoring prowess to a team whose time to win a championship is now.
Getting him for $3 million is a steal, but the Predators are paying him more not to play for them.
Other Moves
Colin Miller is no longer on the Stars after a trade with the Devils for a 5th Round Draft Pick. Gavin Bayreuther also returns to the Stars after spending time with the Columbus Blue Jackets. More acquisitions include Craig Smith and Sam Steel. This team is now set for a run at the Stanley Cup after missing out 6 games short last year.
The Stars now have approximately $582K in available cap space, so any more moves are small time. The trade window is now open for about the next 8 months, so if anything else occurs, it will be through that. This little money left means there isn’t any room for Max Domi, who signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Luke Glendening is gone as well.
Matt Duchene joining the Stars is a big boost for this squad, even for one year. Duchene has a lot to prove and could end up being the missing puzzle piece the Stars are looking for.
This is a championship-caliber team with a city aching for a champion. This fan base is decades dry, with an arena that is 20 years old this year.
The American Airlines Center hasn’t hosted a Stanley Cup Final game yet, but that could change this year.
The expectation for the Stars is high, and this team is ready to go.
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