The commencement of the NHL free agency period on July 1 sparked significant interest in the Dallas Stars’ defensive strategies.
Just before the start of free agency, the team made headlines by trading Chris Tanev’s unrestricted free agent rights to Toronto, underscoring their urgent need to bolster their defensive lineup. Additionally, Dallas chose to buy out veteran Ryan Suter to free up salary cap space.
Following these moves, Dallas found themselves with only three returning defensemen: Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, and Alex Petrovic, who was on a two-way contract.
The Stars also had Thomas Harley and Nils Lundkvist as restricted free agents. They extended a qualifying offer to Harley but initially allowed Lundkvist to enter unrestricted free agency before eventually re-signing him. General manager Jim Nill explained during a press conference that the decision not to tender a qualifying offer to Lundkvist was a strategic move based on his unique contractual situation.
“Typically, entry-level players don’t have arbitration rights, but due to his signing age, he did. We negotiated with his agent and decided not to qualify him, but ultimately, we reached an agreement that was mutually beneficial. That was always our plan,” Nill emphasized.
The departures of Tanev and Suter leave significant voids for the Stars. Tanev provided defensive stability and a gritty edge that had been lacking, while Suter contributed veteran leadership as a seasoned 19-year pro. Their exits add to the list of veteran losses for a team that had already bid farewell to Joe Pavelski and Radek Faksa.
Dallas Stars Sign Defence Options
The Stars wasted no time in addressing their defensive needs by acquiring veteran players Matt Dumba and Brendan Smith, while also taking a calculated gamble on Ilya Lyubushkin.
Dumba’s arrival stands out as the most prominent addition, bringing a refined skill set that encompasses both offensive and defensive prowess. Despite some initial fan discontent due to past playoff experiences, Nill stressed that familiarity with Dumba played a pivotal role in the decision.
“We know him well from our encounters over the last decade with Minnesota. He’s a highly competitive individual. Sometimes those are the players you dislike facing the most in intense playoff moments, and those are exactly the players you want on your side,” Nill commented. “He’s a strong skater with excellent skills, and he fits well with our team.”
Nill also has a history with Smith, having drafted him during his tenure with the Detroit Red Wings scouting department. Smith is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s offensive output from the blue line.
Dallas demonstrated confidence in Lyubushkin’s abilities by signing him to a three-year deal, indicating their belief in his potential impact, particularly on the penalty kill.
“We see him filling the role previously occupied by Jani Hakanpaa. It’s crucial to have that kind of diversity within our team—right-handed shot, pivotal presence on penalty kills, and a fierce competitor,” Nill explained.
Outlook & Defensive Pairings
Heading into the upcoming season, it’s anticipated that Harley and Heiskanen will anchor Dallas’ top defensive pairing. Both players led the Stars’ defense in scoring last season and are viewed as foundational players for the team’s defensive structure moving forward.
Lindell is expected to retain his position on the second pairing, where he played alongside Tanev during the latter part of the previous season. However, the departure of Tanev raises the question of who will step into that role.
Dumba and Smith are the frontrunners for this spot. Dumba, with his balanced style of play, is seen as having the edge due to his ability to contribute effectively at both ends of the ice. His age also aligns well with the youthful roster in Dallas, potentially providing additional benefits if he returns to peak form.
The player not selected for the second pairing will likely slot into the third defensive pairing, inheriting Suter’s leadership responsibilities. Both Dumba and Smith are considered better skaters at this stage of their careers and are expected to have a more substantial impact on gameplay, although their veteran leadership will be crucial for a young locker room with several emerging defensive options.
Final Spots
The composition of Dallas’ defensive corps becomes more complex as decisions need to be made regarding the team’s final roster spots. Typically, NHL teams dress six defensemen per game and carry seven on the roster, with additional top options available in the AHL for potential call-ups.
Assuming no surprises in the projected lineup, Dallas has two remaining spots to fill, with Lyubushkin and Lundkvist emerging as the leading candidates.
Nill expressed confidence in both players moving forward, noting that neither can be sent down to the AHL without clearing waivers. Each brings a distinct skill set to the table, and given the Stars’ surplus of offensively-minded defensemen, there’s a likelihood that Lyubushkin will secure a roster spot over Lundkvist. Contract considerations also seem to favor this scenario, with Lyubushkin signed to a three-year, $9.75 million deal compared to Lundkvist’s one-year, $1.25 million contract.
Another player under scrutiny is Lian Bichsel, who garnered attention during the Western Conference Final after Tanev sustained a significant injury. Despite receiving high praise from within the organization, Bichsel, at just 20 years old, may benefit from further development, having played only 16 games in North America.
Petrovic remains a flexible option for Dallas due to his two-way contract, providing depth that Nill views as crucial after the challenges faced last season. Ultimately, the composition of defensive pairings will be dictated by on-ice performances.
“The players will determine the final roster,” Nill asserted to reporters following the signings. “Their performances in training camp and throughout the season will guide our decisions. Depth is always valuable—we need to ensure every gap is filled.”
In summary, the Dallas Stars’ approach to fortifying their defense ahead of the upcoming NHL season reflects a blend of strategic acquisitions and nurturing young talent, aimed at addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term stability.
