The Dallas Stars [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars] lost three key pieces to their lineup from last season to other teams in the free agent frenzy of early July. Cody Ceci headed to the Los Angeles Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings], Mikael Granlund joined him in California by signing with the Anaheim Ducks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks] and Evgenii Dadonov signed with the New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils]. Dallas Stars right wing Evgenii Dadonov (63) and center Mikael Granlund (64) and defenseman Cody Ceci (44) are introduced before the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the American Airlines Center. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/72ef0fef-9c8f-40b1-8996-f8604f1b44b7.jpeg] Dallas Stars right wing Evgenii Dadonov (63) and center Mikael Granlund (64) and defenseman Cody Ceci (44) are introduced before the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the American Airlines Center. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Dallas made two small signings on free agency day, bringing Radek Faksa back from his short tenure with the St. Louis Blues and re-signing Colin Blackwell for two more seasons. So far, the lineup seems a little bit weaker moving forward with the loss of Dadonov and Granlund, who both played in the top-6 for portions of the season. The loss of Ceci might affect the defense, but Dallas has the defensive depth for next season without him that will make the departure seem pretty meaningless. Ceci and Granlund came from the San Jose Sharks just before the trade deadline and both turned it into lucrative contracts that were both a bit above the expected value for the players. Ceci's deal with Los Angeles was for four years with an average of $4.5 million, which some have already deemed as the worst contract so far this off-season. Granlund clearly made more than the Stars could have ever afforded to squeeze him in for, inking a three year, $7 million per season deal in Anaheim. The Ducks are trying to take a step into the playoffs and seem to be making moves to do just that. Meanwhile, Dadonov signed for only $1 million for a year for the Devils and should work well with Sheldon Keefe's system. Dallas must now continue without these three and figure out exactly what their lineup looks like moving forward with new head coach Glen Gulutzan. Make sure you bookmark THN's Dallas Stars site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Dallas Stars Promote Assistant Coach from AHL [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/dallas-stars-promote-assistant-coach-from-ahl] Stars Bring Back Veteran for Two More Years [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/stars-bring-back-veteran-for-two-more-years] Stars' Big Hurdle To Improving Team [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/stars-big-hurdle-to-improving-team] Stars Former Head Coach Returns [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/stars-former-head-coach-returns] Stars Select Forward Cameron Schmidt With 94th Overall Pick [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/stars-forward-cameron-schmidt-with-94th-overall-pick] * Follow Taylor on Twitter: @THN_taylor
