Key Offseason Losses: Mike Modano, Marty Turco
Key Offseason Additions: Faabian Brunnstrom, Jace Coyle, Scott Glennie, Travis Morin, James Neal, Matt Niskanen, Andrew Raycroft
Last Season Ranking:12th, West
Offense: The Dallas Stars are a complex team, housing good young talent but not getting the end results they want. Brad Richards, Loui Eriksson, James Neal and Mike Ribeiro all had 50+ point season last year. Brad Richards totaled 91 points, however ofthose points, only 24 of them were goals. Sure he has the playmaker hands but with the team in the middle of the pack for team goals, they need to put more pucks in the net. Mike Ribeiro had 53 point last season but only played 66 games to a few injuries and looks to rebound this year if he can stay healthy.
Newcomers Scott Glennie and Travis Morin look to add some vigor to the team. Glennie, 19, has played 3 seasons in the WHL for the Brandon Wheat Kings, posting 58, 70 and 89 points as he progressed. Morin, 26, has a bit more on his resume, playing in the AHL, ECHL and the WCHA. Out of his 383 games played, he has a .94 points per game totaling 361 points.
Defense: It is hard to speak positively about the depth depleted defense. Sure they have Stephane Robidas who had a respectable 41 point season last year, but after that, the other defensemen are mediocre at best. The only other player to really be concerned is the Star’s offseason signing of youngster Jace Coyle. Playing in the WHl last year he had a season high of 10 goals, 46 assists and a plus 14 rating. Factor in the 5′ 11″ 180 pounder is only 20, the Stars are hoping he could be the future defensive leader in future years.
Goaltending: Much like the team’s defense, the Stars lack a true star goalie. After letting Marty Turco go to Chicago, the team is left to work with Kari Lehtonen and newly acquired Andrew Raycroft. Lehtonen should prove to be the number one goalie, but look for a constant battle for the entire year as both will be expected to go through highs and lows during the season.
Season Outlook: To the point, not looking good for a once powerful team. Long time face of the franchise Mike Modano was walked away from and joins a conference rival in the Detroit Red Wings. Look for Modano reaking vengeance on his former team as well as darn near all the teams in the NHL. The Dallas Stars are in a rebuilding year and will be for a few more seasons. For fans, it is expected to get worse before it gets better.
