NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Sean Avery, LW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the New York Rangers)
Fabian Brunnstrom, LW (Signed as a free agent, previously playing in Europe)
NOTABLE LOSSES
Stu Barnes, C (Retired)
Nolan Baumgartner, D (Signed as a free agent with the Vancouver Canucks)
Niklas Hagman, LW (Signed as a free agent with the Toronto Map Leafs)
Johan Holmqvist, G (Signed with Vastra Frolunda Indians HC of the Swedish Elite League)
Antti Miettinen, RW (Signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Wild)
Mattias Norstrom, D (Retired)
Brad Winchester, LW (Signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues)
2007-08 Season Finish: 3rd Pacific Division, 5th Western Conference, 97 Pts.
2007-08 Playoffs: Won 4-2 against Anaheim Ducks in Quarterfinals
Won 4-2 against San Jose Sharks in Semi-Finals
Lost 4-2 to Detroit Red Wings in Western Conference Finals
2008-09 Prediction: 2nd Pacific Division, 4th Western Conference
The Dallas Stars enjoyed lots of success in the 2008 playoffs, making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals before losing to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions Detroit Red Wings. Despite losing several veterans from last season's team and staying relatively quiet during free agency, Dallas figures to have another fine season in 2008-09. Mike Modano, Jere Lehtinen, and Brendan Morrow, who all bring plenty of leadership and offensive depth to the Stars, will likely play on the top line next season. Mike Ribeiro, who enjoyed a career year last season, will likely see his growing offensive skills improve in 2008-09. Brad Richards, who averaged nearly a point per game after being traded to the Stars from Tampa Bay last season, gives Dallas a lot of offensive depth at center. Newcomer and highly-touted Swedish forward Fabian Brunnstrom will join an already talented Dallas Stars offense next season. It's likely Brunnstrom will play a top-six role and could play alongside Richards and Ribeiro on the 2nd line. The always controversial mega-pest Sean Avery and Steve Ott provide the Stars' with two of the league's top checking line forwards, and paired up with Joel Lundqvist or Loui Eriksson, will have a 3rd line loaded with toughness and gritty play. Toby Petersen, Krys Barch, and Chris Conner give the Stars plenty of toughness to their 4th line. Prospects B.J. Crombeen, Aaron Gagnon, and Francis Wathier will look to challenge some of the 4th line forwards for a roster spot at training camp.
Despite losing veteran leadership and depth with the retiring of Mattias Norstrom, the Stars' defense will likely be as competitive as it was last season. Sergie Zubov and Philippe Boucher bring lots of offense and depth to the Stars' blueline, especially on the power play. Stephane Robidas gives the Stars a good mix of offensive and toughness to their blueline. First-year defenseman Matt Niskanen showed good offensive numbers last season, and could become one of Dallas' top offensive defensemen within the next several years. Trevor Daley and Mark Fistric provide a lot of toughness and grittiness to the blueline, while Nicklas Grossman will likely play a defensive defenseman role next season. Prospect Ivan Vishnevskiy will look to make the team at training camp through his offensive skills on the blueline. While Dallas has good depth on their defense, they could use another veteran defenseman to add even more depth to the team.
Marty Turco enjoyed another fine season in 2007-08 and will likely dos so again next season. Prospect Tobias Stephan will likely be Turco's backup in 2008-09. While Stephan played solid in his one game with the Stars last season, his lack of experience at the pro level could hurt the Stars if Turco were to suffer an injury. The addition of an experienced backup goaltender some time during the season could help ensure the Stars remain competitive should Turco's play falter or he suffer a long-term injury.
STRENGTHS
- Lots of offensive skill on their forward lines.
- Plenty of gritty players on offense and defense.
- Lots of offensive talent on their blueline.
WEAKNESSES
- Could use another veteran defenseman for depth.
- Not a lot of defensive prospects.
- Lack of an experienced goaltender.
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