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The Dallas Stars Have Wholesale Changes Ahead

By Reid Hanson

Apr 8, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; The Dallas Stars ice girls clear the ice during the third period between the Stars and the Colorado Avalanche at the American Airlines Center. The Stars won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; The Dallas Stars ice girls clear the ice during the third period between the Stars and the Colorado Avalanche at the American Airlines Center. The Stars won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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One thing is for certain, the Dallas Stars have wholesale changes ahead this offseason. Here’s a look at what to expect…

The Dallas Stars had a disastrous 2016-17 campaign. One season after winning the top seed in the Western Conference, the Stars find themselves out of the playoffs completely. It’s not often a decline like this occurs on such a young and talented team — Especially one that was largely intact and unaffected by free agency.

But as we all know, injuries hit the team hard and coach Lindy Ruff failed to adapt. The star power failed to live up to their status and the already-suspect goalie tandem of Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi regressed even further.

The Dallas Stars have been a colossal disappointment.

With that disappointment comes the inevitable change. And all change starts at the top. No, not Jim Nill. He’s about as safe as can be. His ability to put together such a great team only adds to the disappointment of the season. He put together a team capable of winning the conference (as evidenced by last year). The coaches and players failed to meet those lofty expectations.

Coaching Staff

Lindy Ruff is out the door. Sport DFW’s own Ben Davila was calling for his removal over a month ago. Why delay the inevitable, right? Well, the Dallas Stars allowed his contract to expire and now are searching for the replacement staff.

Speculation is abounding as to who the Dallas Stars may be interested in. A reunion with Ken Hitchcock is perhaps the most talked about solution. Maybe he can even talk Eddie Belfour out of retirement to mind the net next season as well.

Whoever it is though, is likely to have a professional connection to Jim Nill. Nill waited a long time to be GM and you can bet he’s not interested in settling for a coach he’s not 100% sure of. I think Jim Nill knows exactly who he wants and he’s not going to drag it out any further than it has to.

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Goaltending

There’s no bigger area to address than that of goaltender. Jim Nill gambled and lost on the Dallas Stars two-goalie system. The idea itself wasn’t flawed, but rather the men executing the idea. Both Niemi and Lehtonen are on the chopping block. The two command the biggest combined salary in nets across the NHL. Despite that, they are rated as the worst 1-2 punch. That can’t continue.

Both players can be bought out and at least one of them will be. Options on the free agent market are slim. Besides Ben Bishop, there are not any top-notch goaltenders available. The trade market will be extra viable since the expansion draft is soon approaching and threatening to “steal” depth without compensation. Teams will be extra inclined to deal rather than lose players to the draft without anything in return.

The Defensemen

Finally, we turn our attention to the men in front of the goaltender, the defensemen. There will be a number of attractive options hitting the free agent market. Just don’t expect the Dallas Stars to sign those big named guys.

The Stars will need to bring in major proven talent, it just won’t be anyone named Shattenkirk. Look for slightly less attractive defensemen and a considerably more attractive price.

Next: What Will it Take to Get Ben Bishop in Net

Wholesale changes are coming for the Dallas Stars. Expect this to be an active and exciting offseason.

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