Dallas Stars: Kris Russell Brings Solidarity To Blue Line

The Dallas Stars traded for Kris Russell shortly before the trade deadline. Now, they have a reliable third defensive pairing.

The Dallas Stars were in the market for a defenseman. With their past aggressiveness at the trade deadline, it was a given that they would be involved in talks once rumors started to arise.

After all was said and done, the Stars only made one trade. They acquired Kris Russell from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Jyrki Jokipakka, Brett Pollock and a conditional 2016 second round pick, meaning if Russell plays at least 50 percent in the first two rounds of the Playoffs and the Stars make it to the Western Conference Finals, the pick turns into a first rounder. If not, it remains a second rounder.

Shortly after the trade was made official, GM Jim Nill offered some thoughts on the team’s newest acquisition:

"“He’s a veteran defenseman. He’s played in the playoffs, World Championship and high-pressure games. Ultra-competitive, a warrior, good skater and he moves the puck well. He’s known as a supreme shot blocker.”"

The trade came as a surprise for some, as the Stars were not exactly expected to give up young talent for a minor piece like Russell, but it was just another sign that Nill and the rest of the organization is currently in win-now mode, since the other parts to the puzzle have come together.

In a way, the deal was also a little risky, as the Stars gave up quite a bit. Russell is currently recovering from a lower body injury, plus, he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

Trading for an established defenseman like Russell was not required as the Stars had plenty of other pieces who would’ve done just fine, but it does give them a more structured set of defensive pairs.

Throughout the season, the consistent pairings have been Alex Goligoski and John Klingberg along with Johnny Oduya and Jason Demers. It’s the third pairing that has been questionable.

Jordie Benn has had many different partners including Jokipakka, Patrik Nemeth and Jamie Oleksiak, with each getting their fair share of playing time. Now, with Russell on the team, the Stars have the final piece to their defensive roster and don’t have to worry about making tweaks, unless someone is injured.

In terms of what he brings to the team, Russell is certainly not a defensive presence you can rely heavily on but he does have some pretty important qualities of his game. First and foremost, he loves to block shots, similar to Oduya. Russell is currently second in the NHL with 174 blocked shots. That added element to the team is going to give the Stars a little more of an edge in terms of keeping pucks away from the net.

He is also a great leader to have on the team. Before the 2014-15 season began, he was named an alternate captain for the Flames and has gained valuable experience playing as one of the primary leaders on the team. He will be one of many on a Stars team full of young and old leadership.

Russell spoke to Sportsnet on what it meant to go to a winning organization:

"“I’ve actually had a few text from some of the players. I’m really appreciative of that because I don’t know many guys on that team and to hear from them already, it means that there’s obviously a good locker room there.”"

Next: Ales Hemsky Has Been An Added Bonus To The Stars' Offense

Overall, the trade for Kris Russell is not an automatic team-changing move, but it is one that will go on to help the Dallas Stars down the stretch as they seek to win the Central Division and head into the Playoffs with momentum.