Nill faces a cap-space crisis after a blockbuster trade collapsed. With stars unsigned and offer sheets looming, Dallas must maneuver financial hurdles to survive a high-stakes free agency.
The Dallas Stars have been forced into the buzz and drama over the last couple weeks with the saga of what has been attempting to extend Jason Robertson, but now has been topped with the jaw-dropping that a trade, complete with a handshake that would have landed Zach Werenski in Dallas and sent Thomas Harley to Columbus fell through due to Werenski having the final say.
Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) celebrates his goal with defenseman Thomas Harley (55) in the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesHowever, the off-season doesn't stop for, what could be considered a disaster on the front office side of things, so free agency begins today. The Stars have just over nine million dollars in cap space, while needing to get Jason Robertson, Mavrik Bourque, and Arttu Hyry under new contracts, before they can even consider picking up anyone new. The Stars did extend qualifying offers to both Robertson, Bourque and Hyry, but without contracts signed, they are both subject for offer sheets starting tomorrow before free agency begins.
The Stars have also yet to come to a decision with captain, Jamie Benn on whether or not he is returning or how much his contract would be. Other un-restricted free agents for the Stars are Adam Erne, Michael Bunting, Nathan Bastian and Alexander Petrovic. Unless general manager, Jim Nill, can pull a rabbit out of his hat before noon, it's unlikely the Stars will be big players, or even players at all this free agency. Although, Nill is a three time GM of the Year, so while things feel bleak for the Stars, if anyone can make something out of, what feels like nothing, it will be Nill.
It has also not been a secret that Nill was trying to move Ilya Lyubushkin at the trade deadline to make some room to acquire Blake Coleman. It is possible that Nill could still be trying to make that move, or possibly one of Sam Steel or Radek Faksa to give the Stars some extra cap space. However, everyone knows the Stars are in a bind, so finding a fair deal for trade that isn't going to cost the Stars even more, may be hard to find.
Only time will tell to see who is left standing with the Stars and who, if any, joins the team.
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