5 Stars Players Leaving Dallas in the New Year

3. Joe Pavelski

Even though the majority of his career was played with the San Jose Sharks, Joe Pavelski has become quite the Stars fan favorite as he continues to defy Father Time.

After 81- and 77-point performances in the two previous seasons, Pavelski is up to his usual antics. The 39-year-old veteran has been one of Dallas' best players again, tallying 14 goals and 20 assists without missing any of the first 35 games. He's on pace to hit the 80-point mark for just the second time in his career, showing just how good he's been.

Nevertheless, he's another player who's hitting free agency in the offseason. While the team and fans alike would love for him to return in 2024-25 and nothing has been ruled out, we need to think realistically. Pavelski turns 40 in July and is at the stage of his career where he's playing on a year-to-year basis — hence the one-year extension he signed last January.

Pavelski is still better than the majority of the NHL at his age and is fit enough to keep playing, but some players prefer to retire when they're still at the top of their game. He might be aging like fine wine, but Father Time is undefeated and it wouldn't be shocking if Pavelski calls it quits before his on-ice play drops off.

Hopefully, the Stars can win him a Stanley Cup before he says goodbye to the sport.