3 Stars Who Won't Be in Dallas by the End of the Season

2. Mason Marchment

Another forward who could be used to free up some cap space is Mason Marchment.

The Stars looked like they had a steal on their hands last summer when they inked Marchment to a four-year contract worth $4.5 million per season. The Uxbridge, Ontario native was coming off a season that saw him rack up 18 goals and 47 assists in 54 games with the Florida Panthers — on pace for a 27-goal, 71-point performance in 82 games.

Instead of having a similar performance, Marchment left much to be desired in his first season with Dallas. He finished the year with 12 goals and 31 points across 68 outings and only registered six points during the Stars' three-round playoff run.

Do I think Marchment could bounce back? Yes, since he's now had a full season and summer to grow chemistry with his new teammates. At the same time, the Stars could be in trouble if he continues to only be a 30- to 40-point player with a $4.5 million AAV.

It was only back in August when NHL Network's Dave Pagnotta reported that the Stars are interested in signing unrestricted free-agent forward Patrick Kane. Assuming that's still the case, Dallas would likely need to move a contract of Marchment's magnitude to free up enough space to make it work.

If Marchment begins the campaign strongly, I could see him lasting the year. However, if he's the version of himself we saw last season, don't count on him lasting long.