Why Illya Lybushkin is an Underrated Signing for the Stars
Over this past offseason, Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill faced much criticism for the team’s new look blue line.
One of the question marks among the new additions was the signing of Illya Lybushkin.
Many Stars fans and much of the media were not happy with the inevitable departure of the departure of rental defenseman Chris Tanev.
A history and comparisons of the two defensemen gave Lybushkin a shot to quiet many critics, proving those who hold a recency bias given his play with past NHL teams wrong this season thus far.
A Consistent New Guy
While guys like Matt Dumba and Brendan Smith have bounced in and out of the lineup, Lybushkin has flourished. He has played in all 22 games the Stars have played so far and has yet to be scratched due to poor play.
PHOTO: David Banks/Imagn Images
Another consistent part of Illya’s game is his physicality. The big veteran defenseman plays sound hockey on the blue line and brings a much-needed hard-hitting presence at every puck drop. This is a part of the game that was missing from 2024, especially come spring and summertime when the hit stat multiplies on the ice.
Better in Dallas
You have to go with the shoe that fits best. Unhappy with what the Toronto Maple Leafs offered him over the summer, Lybushkin ultimately decided to jump ship to Dallas. Toronto had mixed views on the Russian defenseman, and he didn’t like what was being offered. So he decided to take his chances on a team that has been one of the last four teams standing over the last two years.
Playing for a contender was already appealing for Lybushkin. Players also rave about playing in Dallas on and off the ice. “They all said in unison that (Dallas) is a great organization,” Lyubushkin said. “All the guys loved it there in terms of life, playing, the team, the group, and the organization.”
Big Shoes to Fill
Technically, replacing Tanev was done by committee, and it’s not just a job for one defenseman. However, Lybushkin has quietly done everything that has been asked of him this year so far.
Although Illya is not quite as prolific a defensive defenseman as Tanev, he has done all the little things on defense to help the Stars win.
When you come to the rink daily and play a simple sound game, positive results always follow.
Lybushkin has done a good job at doing all the dirty work that Tanev would do last season when he was a rental player for the Stars.
PHOTO: David Banks/Imagn Images
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Categorized:Stars