Just a few things to ponder with training camp and the preseason fast approaching.
It won’t be long before the Stars get back to work in Texas, and expectations couldn’t be higher after a notable run to the Western Conference Final.
Here are a five questions about your favorite squad that might be on your mind right now:
1. What will the new additions bring to the table?
General manager Jim Nill added some major roster depth on July 1, so it will be interesting to watch the way these players blend into the mix.
Forward Matt Duchene was the most notable acquisition this summer, signing a one-year contract worth $3 million after being bought out by the Predators with three years remaining on his deal. Duchene, 32, led the Preds in goals (22) and ranked second in assists (34) and points (56) last season, and his 976 games of NHL experience entering the campaign will undoubtedly prove invaluable in "Big D."
“It’s no secret what Matt Duchene brings. He’s a puck-possession guy, he’s got great speed, good on the power play, and holds onto pucks,” said Nill last month. “I think we’ve improved our game that way. He solidifies our Top-9.”
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Forward Craig Smith inked a one-year contract as well. Smith, 33, split time with Boston and Washington last season, recording nine goals and 16 points in 64 appearances. He boasts 200 career goals and 853 games on his resume, which dates back to 2011-12 with Nashville.
“Craig Smith’s been a proven scorer in the league. He’s a veteran with good leadership,” praised Nill. “He’s also a good skater with good speed.”
Coming off his best year offensively, forward Sam Steel signed a one-year deal, too. Steel, 25, recorded career-highs in goals (10), assists (18) and points (28) in 65 games with Minnesota last season.
“Good speed, young guy, we saw him against Minnesota [in the playoffs], played against him a lot. He was a young guy that was a first-round pick by Anaheim and trying to find his way, and we think he’s starting to show that he’s getting better and better,” explained Nill. “It’s a young guy on a good contract.”
2. What’s next for Jason Robertson?
Robertson was simply sensational last year. After a remarkable regular season that included leading the Stars in all three major offensive categories to the tune of 46 goals, 63 assists and 109 points, the dynamic winger was equally fantastic in the playoffs. So where does the 24-year-old go from here? Only time will tell, but the sky’s the limit.
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Robertson has already proved that he’s among the league’s elite goalscorers. Which players had more tallies than Robertson last season? Connor McDavid (64), David Pastrnak (61), Mikko Rantanen (55), Leon Draisaitl (52), Brayden Point (51) and Tage Thompson (47). That’s who. Talk about some pretty special company…
3. Who could emerge production-wise alongside the usual suspects?
Forward Evgenii Dadonov proved to be an outstanding pick-up by Nill in late February and quickly proved his worth down the stretch and in the postseason. Dadonov, 34, earned a two-year contract extension this summer for his efforts as a steady contributor and will be looking to pick up where he left off.
Forwards Wyatt Johnston and Ty Dellandrea are also names to watch following their breakout seasons. Johnston was particularly impressive with 24 goals in his rookie year. He finished tied with Calder Trophy winner Matty Beniers of the Seattle Kraken for the most rookie snipes, so Johnston’s stock is clearly on the rise.
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The Stars are already blessed with so much firepower up front and on the back end, of course. From Robertson to captain Jamie Benn to Joe Pavelski to Roope Hintz to Miro Heiskanen to Tyler Seguin, the scoring options are endless.
4. Could the excitement be any higher about Jake Oettinger?
Linus Ullmark and Alexandar Georgiev were the only netminders to record 40 victories last season, but Oettinger came within three wins of achieving that impressive feat as well. His dazzling 37-11-11 record and 2.37 goals-against average was still rather remarkable, especially when you consider that he’s just 24 years old. Connor Hellebuyck and Igor Shesterkin had 37 wins, too, so you better believe that Oettinger has earned the respect of his peers.
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5. Will the Stars’ special teams be extra special again?
In this case, the numbers really do speak for themselves. The Stars’ effectiveness on special teams was an integral part of their success last year. Head coach Pete DeBoer’s contingent ranked fifth on the power play (25%) and third on the penalty kill (83.5%) during the regular season, so there’s plenty to be proud of in those departments. DeBoer is obviously counting on much of the same from his troops in the months to come.