4 Major Names On Dallas Stars' Radar
The Dallas Stars are not in the position to be big-game hunting this offseason, but that hasn’t appeared to stop them as there are a number of interesting players on their radar with under $1 million in projected cap space to work with. Something more will likely be coming to free up space, but they may have to work quickly.
According to Pierre LeBrun, Mitch Marner, Rasmus Andersson, and Aaron Ekblad are on the Stars’ radar. Dallas could also get into the mix for Brad Marchand if he hits free agency, per Jeff Marek.
Those are some of the biggest names available this offseason, whether that be through a trade or free agency. The interest in acquiring a top-4 right defenseman is obvious as Miro Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, and Esa Lindell all shoot left and Cody Ceci was the right-shot addition made at this year’s trade deadline. Ceci is headed to free agency, Matt Dumba will either be traded or bought out, and Ilya Lyubushkin’s name has been out there as a possible cap dump, but it’s less likely. With the Stars’ sights set on defensemen like Ekblad and Andersson, someone will have to absolutely go.
Considering the cap hit, Andersson is the more likely option as some of his salary can be retained by the Calgary Flames in a trade without him having to take less to play in Dallas.
Marner is unrealistic for a team like the Stars, even as a low-tax state, considering how much AAV he is projected to demand in free agency and the teams that will be willing to pay that. The Stars would give him a chance to win and play with some talented players, but I can’t see a long-term deal if Dallas somehow pulls that out.
Marchand is a little more realistic, but he also wants to get paid. His AAV could be less in a place like Dallas and make the same amount as if he were to sign in other places pursuing him. That is something the Stars have going for them and is evident with the Matt Duchene, Jamie Benn, and Mavrik Bourque extensions. Marchand could fit nicely into a top-9 role to create even more depth, but again, money will have to be moved. There is a chance that Dallas is a little quieter, but if Dumba and/or Lyubushkin are moved, expect an addition to follow.
