Will the Stars’ Defense Take a Step Back?
There’s a consensus amongst hockey media and fans that the Dallas Stars took a step back defensively this off-season.
On paper, it does look that way, with a key rental player loss and new guys coming onto the roster with question marks.
However, it’s all speculation here in August when preseason hasn’t even started yet. Let’s not forget that the Stars have been playing great defense for years, too.
Before and After Chris Tanev
Heading into the March trade deadline, Stars’ general manager Jim Nill knew he had to patch up the hole in team defense. Before the deadline, Nill acquired the perfect man to fit into the lineup. Even if Chris Tanev turned out to be just a rental player like Mats Zuccarello or Max Domi in the past, the Stars still rode that signing to a second straight WCF appearance.
During the off-season, Tanev was signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs. While it is a loss for Dallas, Tanev would’ve required more pay and years in contract. As great as he is, he’s still in his mid-30s with an injury history. While Stars fans will miss Tanev ‘s game, seeing him move on was inevitable. On the bright side, Dallas gained more cap space after going to Toronto.
Physicality is Part of the Defense
Hits are one of the stars that fall under the defensive category.
Separating the body from the puck is a defensive part of the game. As talented as they were on paper last year, the Stars were, for the most part, manhandled in the hits department, particularly in the final two games of the West finals vs. the Edmonton Oilers.
Matt Dumba, Illya Lyubushkin, and Brendan Smith all have one thing in common: they play physically.
When Nill brought these guys in, despite the question marks, he knew why they signed their contracts. While not all-stars, they are NHL veterans for a reason. Stars fans must understand that change is a constant anyway and root for the new guys to silence their doubters.
The 2025 Trade Deadline
No roster constructed in the summer never stays permanent. There are bound to be injuries, trades, and other transactions to follow.
This is in addition to the line shuffling and the guys who play for the Texas Stars and are looking to break into the NHL.
This is not to say the Stars’ defense is in trouble. Come March, every team in the NHL will be either buying or selling.
In all likelihood, the Stars will be looking to improve their team, whether it’s a missing piece or adding somebody to bolster their lineup wherever they feel they need it prior to postseason play.
PHOTO: Kim Klement Neitzel/USA TODAY Sports
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Categorized:Stars