When General Manager Jim Nill signed Ilya Lyubushkin to a three year deal last off-season, alarm bells were ringing for many in the hockey world. Lyubushkin had some of the worst underlying metrics throughout his career, and the Dallas Stars [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars] were going to trust him to help rebuild a blue line that management had decided was not good enough the year prior. Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) controls the puck ahead of Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) in the third period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/999d090a-69bf-4f6b-805e-99d18a2d785a.jpeg] Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) controls the puck ahead of Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) in the third period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Then, despite all the preconceived motions and worries about his performance, Lyubushkin proved to be extremely valuable throughout the year. Gone were the extremely blatant errors of the past and in stepped a seemingly capable defensive defenseman and a fairly valuable top four blue liner. He was never going to be a major puck mover, but his defense shored up a hole that other players in his role previously could not accomplish. Then, the injury to Miro Heiskanen meant Lyubushkin was suddenly thrust to the top pairing with Thomas Harley for the final chunk of the season and first part of the playoffs. All in all, the Russian held his own. It was not perfect, but it was certainly good enough on the defensive side of things. It did seem like the added minutes and responsibilities were him down near the end, and he was not as effective as the beginning of the season. A few more mistakes crept in but he was still the best option next to Harley. Then once Heiskanen returned at full capacity, Lyubushkin found himself down to the third pairing for one game and then suddenly thrust out of the starting lineup and into the press box for the rest of the postseason. Now, Dallas is at a crossroads of what to do with Lyubushkin. A year ago, many thought the crossroads would be about how to get rid of him because of performance, but it seems more like he is simply the odd man out (or one of them with Matt Dumba as the other). Alexander Petrovic seems like a great option alongside Lian Bichsel, and a cheap one at $775,000 for next season. Petrovic proved himself to be a capable NHLer with his playoff performance. On the second pair, Esa Lindell could use a puck moving defenseman to bolster the ability for Dallas to maintain offensive zone time. Cody Ceci and Lindell had the worst shot share of any playoff pair, and part of it was their inability to move the puck up ice. They got stuck in the d-zone too often and paid the price for it. A cheap re-signing of Nils Lundkvist seems more logical to get that done. Lyubushkin could prove to have the same issues Ceci had if that is where Dallas wants to put him. Lyubushkin's contract of over $3 million is not as much of an overpay as many thought, but it is still a hindrance for finishing out the roster with everyone Dallas needs for next season. It seems like the only logical solution would be to move that money out in some form or fashion. Whether they could find a willing trade partner is not guaranteed, but it seems to be an unfortunate reality for a player that performed far higher than expectation for the Stars. 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. Esa Lindell Named Finland's Male Hockey Player Of The Year [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/esa-lindell-named-finland-s-male-hockey-player-of-the-year] Stars Goaltender Receives Vezina Consideration [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/stars-goaltender-receives-vezina-consideration] Insider: Key Forward Could Stay in Dallas [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/insider-key-forward-could-stay-in-dallas] The Case For Neil Graham as Next Stars Coach [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/latest-news/the-case-for-neil-graham-as-next-stars-coach] * Follow Taylor on Twitter: @THN_taylor
