That is the latest file in THN.com’s ongoing “Three Burning Questions” sequence – three huge questions for every NHL group earlier than the start of the upcoming common season.
We’re asking Three Burning Questions in regards to the Dallas Stars in immediately’s file.
THREE BURNING QUESTIONS FOR THE STARS IN 2022-23:
1. How a lot do Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin have left within the tank? As Dallas’ top-paid gamers for years now, a lot is predicted of star forwards Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, and the duo has not produced sufficient offense to justify their salaries of almost $10 million per season. Stars proprietor Tom Gaglardi stated as a lot publicly, and no person can actually argue with him. Seguin was barely higher than Benn, posting 24 targets and 49 factors in 81 video games, whereas Benn generated 18 targets and 46 factors in 82 video games.
Each thirty-somethings have many miles on their NHL odometer, however these totals merely aren’t acceptable given how a lot wage cap area they take up. And the worst half is, Dallas is on the hook for Seguin and Benn’s salaries for the following 5 and three seasons, respectively. A buyout of 1 or each appears extremely possible earlier than they attain the top of their contracts.
Within the meantime, Benn and Seguin challenge to be two-thirds of the Stars’ second-line, alongside new acquisition and former Florida Panthers winger Mason Marchment. They’ll in all probability get 17 minutes of ice time per sport, and for Dallas to remain related within the highly-competitive Central Division, they’ll want Seguin and Benn to make an even bigger affect within the offensive zone. If one or each can’t step up, or is hit by the damage bug once more, the Stars are going to be in hassle preserving tempo with the 5 different playoff contenders within the Central.
2. How a lot high-quality ahead depth do the Stars even have? The Stars had little or no roster turnover this summer season, with solely veteran ahead Alex Radulov and former cornerstone blueliner John Klingberg departing. Klingberg’s absence will harm the protection corps, however the Stars nonetheless have a great deal of depth on the again finish. The identical can’t be stated for the group of forwards, which does have elite expertise in younger forwards Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz, and star ahead Joe Pavelski – who, at age 38, posted a team-best and career-high 54 assists and 81 factors final yr.
Nonetheless, when you get previous Dallas’ second line, you wander right into a questionable group comprised of 33-year-old Luke Glendenning, veteran heart Radek Faska (who has by no means produced greater than 30 factors in seven NHL seasons), a pair of 23-year-olds (Marian Studenic and Jacob Peterson), 25-year-old winger Denis Gurianov, and 26-year-old winger Joel Kirivanta. This isn’t a bunch that’s going to intimidate opponents.
Stars GM Jim Nill has roughly 6.3 million in cap area in the meanwhile, however most, if not all of that might go to restricted free agent Robertson, so Dallas is prone to be capped out by the beginning of the season. Meaning any strikes Nill makes must be on a dollar-for-dollar foundation. Meaning the Stars’ depth at ahead might be going to stay considerably skinny. If somebody essential goes all the way down to an damage, it might spark the downfall of the group in 2022-23.
3. Can new head coach Peter DeBoer hold the Stars within the playoff image? The Stars parted methods with head coach Rick Bowness after their first-round playoff loss to Calgary final spring, and Nill selected to go together with veteran bench boss Peter DeBoer to switch him. DeBoer, who’s now on his fifth NHL group, bought a four-year contract from Nill – who, intriguingly sufficient, bought solely a one-year extension this week that leaves DeBoer locked into two extra years than Nill has with the Stars. This speaks to Gaglardi’s need to win, and win now, so DeBoer goes to be underneath huge strain to not solely make the post-season, however go on a deep playoff run.
DeBoer’s earlier NHL stint with the Vegas Golden Knight had its share of rocky moments, notably his relationship with beginning goalie Robin Lehner final yr. He’s bought expertise working a profitable group, however he’s dealing with a big problem in Texas. The Central has three groups – the defending Stanley Cup-champion Colorado Avalanche, the St. Louis Blues, and the Minnesota Wild – who nearly assuredly will likely be playoff groups in 2022-23, and the improved Pacific Division will in all probability take again the one playoff berth it misplaced to the Central final yr.
That leaves one playoff spot, and three groups – the Stars, Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators – vying for it. Failure to make the playoffs by Dallas will in all probability result in notable change. DeBoer might be going to outlive that change, however make no mistake – he will likely be referred to as upon the carpet by Stars higher administration if he doesn’t steer Dallas into the post-season this yr.