3 Dallas Stars on Thin ice Heading Into the All-Star Break

It seems like the 2023-24 NHL season just started yesterday, but we're already just over a week away from this year's All-Star Game. The Dallas Stars are in a good spot as the annual break approaches, sitting two points back of the Central Division lead with a 28-13-6 record as of Jan. 24.

Even though the Stars are on track for a third consecutive playoff appearance, not everything is perfect in the Lone Star State. A handful of players have fallen short of expectations this season, putting them on thin ice as not only the ASG approaches, but the March 8 trade deadline, too.

Here are three Stars who are on thin ice with the All-Star Break right around the corner.

1. Radek Faksa, C

Radek Faksa is one of the longest-serving Stars players, having been with the franchise since he was drafted 13th overall in 2012. He's earned a reputation of being a solid two-forward who Dallas can deploy on the bottom two forward lines, however, his play has left much to be desired this season.

The veteran Czech forward has only tallied three goals and 10 points through 40 games, putting him on pace for six goals and 19 points if he remains healthy. What's even more disappointing is that this would be the third time in four seasons that he's failed to reach double-digit goals after averaging about 14 from 2016 to 2020.

With the Stars only having just north of $343,000 in salary cap space remaining, per Spotrac, Faksa could be out the door sooner than later. He's under contract through 2024-25 with an average annual value (AAV) of $3.25 million and that money can be used to shore up other positions.

Considering how he only has one goal and three assists in his last 15 games, Faksa might not be around for much longer if he can't turn things around soon.