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Dallas Stars: Central Division Result Analyses of Next Season

By Avery Klatsky

WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 12: Patrik Laine #29 of the Winnipeg Jets is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a first period goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game One of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell MTS Place on May 12, 2018 in Winnipeg, Canada. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 12: Patrik Laine #29 of the Winnipeg Jets is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a first period goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game One of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell MTS Place on May 12, 2018 in Winnipeg, Canada. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 07: Kari Lehtonen #32 of the Dallas Stars looks on after a goal by Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings during the second period of a game at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 07: Kari Lehtonen #32 of the Dallas Stars looks on after a goal by Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings during the second period of a game at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Worst Record – Dallas Stars

As much as I love the Stars, they will probably miss the playoffs again — for the third season in a row. There is blame to pass around, but it is clear, as I’ve stated many times before, that Dallas’ blue line is their biggest issue standing between them and a Stanley Cup.

The Stars haven’t improved much in free agency either. All the Stars have been able to do is bring in a backup goaltender, a few veterans, and Valeri Nichushkin.

Yes, the Benn-Seguin-Radulov line is fantastic, maybe even one of the best in the league. Yes, John Klingberg was one of the league’s best defensemen during the regular season last year. Beyond that, though, Dallas’ depth isn’t that extravagant. Players like Radek Faksa, Mattias Janmark, Gemel Smith, and others do look promising, but Dallas might have issues at center if Hanzal isn’t healthy and Spezza can’t produce. Additionally, if Ben Bishop cant’ stay healthy, Dallas will certainly have problems in net.

Now, if Dallas is able to pull off a deal that resulted in Erik Karlsson becoming a Star, that would be a different story. As of right now, however, Karlsson is still a Senator, and might still be for quite some time. And, of course, Dallas still has some roster problems. Because of that, and the fact that the Central Division is one of the toughest in the NHL, I am predicting Dallas to finish last in the Central.

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