The Dallas Stars snapped a five-year playoff drought in 2014 and should have continued their ascent in 2015-2016, but it didn’t happen. Despite continued improvement, and Top 10 possession numbers, goaltending halted the Stars’ progress.

After goaltending let the Stars down last season, they brought in Antti Niemi, to share the crease with fellow Finn Kari Lehtonen. If that duo can combine to stop the puck at a league-average rate, the Stars should be in good shape.

League-leading scorer Jamie Benn and centre Tyler Seguin form one of the league’s most dangerous duos. After adding Patrick Sharp, and expecting the return of a healthy Valeri Nichushkin, to go with a supporting cast that includes Jason Spezza, Ales Hemsky, Cody Eakin and Antoine Roussel, the Stars have the horses to play a high-pace offensive game.

Defensively, the Stars added another ex-Blackhawk, Johnny Oduya, and that should add some measure of stability. John Klingberg is quickly emerging as a top-tier defenceman, but young depth will play a big role in the Stars’ improvement. Jykki Jokipakka, Patrik Nemeth, Jamie Oleksiak and Stephen Johns should all compete for roster spots, but if a couple of them can handle regular roles, then a return to the postseason should be on the way to Big D.

 

OFF-SEASON HEADLINES

June 29: Stars sign goaltender Antti Niemi to a three-year contract

July 10: Stars acquire forward Patrick Sharp from cap-strapped Blackhawks

July 15: Stars sign blueliner Johnny Oduya to two-year deal

 

2015-16 DALLAS STARS

* Off-season Addition

 

Projected Lines

LW C RW
Jamie Benn Tyler Seguin Patrick Sharp*
Valeri Nichushkin Jason Spezza Alex Hemsky
Antoine Roussel Cody Eakin Patrick Eaves
Travis Moen Vern Fiddler Colton Sceviour
Curtis McKenzie   Brett Ritchie

Fighting For Jobs: C Jason Dickinson, C Radek Faksa, C Devin Shore

 

Projected Pairs

LD RD
Johnny Oduya* John Klingberg
Alex Goligoski Patrik Nemeth
Jordie Benn Jason Demers
Jyrki Jokipakka Jamie Oleksiak

Fighting For Jobs: RD Stephen Johns, LD Esa Lindell

 

Projected Goalies

No. 1 No. 2 No. 3
Kari Lehtonen Antti Niemi Jack Campbell

Off-season Departures: D Trevor Daley, RW Ryan Garbutt, C Shawn Horcoff, G Jhonas Enroth

Projected Lineup: Mike Heika/Dallas Morning News

 

SERAVALLI'S THREE QUESTIONS

1. Who will skate on the right wing with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin?

2. Who will be the Stars’ opening night netminder?

3. Will Johnny Oduya and John Klingberg form the Stars’ top pairing?

 

 

BUTTON'S TOP PROSPECTS

Top 2015-16 Prospect

D Julius Honka (Texas, AHL): Plays with skill, is smart and competitive. Don't judge the book by its cover.

Long-Term Prospect

RW Denis Gurianov (Tolyatti, KHL): Blend of skill and power that reminds one of Chris Kreider. Potential to be an impact player.

* Listed with 2014-15 teams

 

 

BY THE NUMBERS

 

Three-Year Breakdown (League Rank)

  2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Points 82 (21st)* 91 (16th) 92 (19th)
Goals For 2.7 (T-11th) 2.8 (10th) 3.1 (2nd)
Goals Against 2.9 (T-24th) 2.7 (17th) 3.1 (T-26th)
Power Play 17% (18th) 16% (23rd) 19% (T-11th)
Penalty Killing 80% (23rd) 81% (T-19th) 81% (19th)
SAT% Possession 48.8% (20th) 50.5% (14th) 52.1% (10th)

* 2012-13 points: Pro-rated lockout-shortened total

 

ESTIMATED PAYROLL vs. CAP - $68.2M/$71.4M

The costs are going up in Big D, and they’ve had the room to pay for big-ticket additions like Jason Spezza and Patrick Sharp, but that’s the price of being a contender. The one area that stands out now is that the Stars have committed $10.4-million – for each of the next three seasons – to the goaltending tandem of Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi.

 

PARTING SHOT