Will Esa Lindell Be the Next Stars Vet to Walk in 2025?
This summer, the Dallas Stars parted ways with Radek Faksa.
In a year, the Stars could part ways with another longtime team veteran.
Much like Faksa before he went to the St. Louis Blues, Esa Lindell could be playing his final season in Dallas this upcoming year.
The Business Side
Most NHL players put on more than one jersey during their entire pro career. In the case of the Stars, there is a history of longtime players in Dallas having to move onto another team due to salary cap issues and so forth. Guys like Derian Hatcher, Marty Turco, Brendan Morrow, and yes, Mike Modano would go on to play with other teams.
We see everybody else go through it, too. Steven Stamkos left the Tampa Bay Lightning after playing there for over a decade with two Stanley Cup rings to show for it. There’s an old saying for guys getting dealt to another team. If it can happen to Wayne Gretzky, it can happen to anybody. Not surprisingly, 99% of NHL players play for more than one NHL team. The salary cap and other business/money issues are the leading reasons for that.
Classic Esa
We cannot talk about Esa without mentioning his career highlights here. While still a Star, Lindell is widely seen as a defensive defenseman and a stalwart on the penalty kill. While Lindell is a Star right now, it’s good to appreciate a player while he still plays for your team, regardless of whether or not he goes to another team in the future.
Lindell is, and always has been, a low-key yet effective member of the Stars.
As the alternate captain for many years, he let his play do most of the talking. His most famous remark was that the Stars needed to show more balls six years ago, addressing Dallas’ road woes at the time. While somewhat comical at the time, the Stars had just missed the playoffs two years in a row. Since 2019, the Stars have been in the playoffs for five out of six years.
Not one of the biggest point-getters on the team, Lindell is known for doing the dirty jobs. From shot blocking to hits, Lindell is a bonafide defensive defenseman.
Logging some of the most ice time during both regular and post-seasons. A favorite in the group amongst the coaches, players, and fans.
PHOTO: Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports
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Categorized:Stars