On the Dallas Stars …
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Stars have eight unrestricted free agents this offseason.
Alex Goligoski – could cost them five years or more at $5 million plus a season.
Kris Russell – will be looking for a raise on from his $2.6 million salary this year. On the small side, but GM Jim Nill could decide to retain him.
Jason Demers – chances of returning are slim.
Jordie Benn – could be re-signed at a reasonable price, but Heika wonders if it would be better to allow Patrik Nemeth or Jamie Oleksiak to fill the same slot.
Vern Fiddler – could revisit talks if he doesn’t sign right away.
Colton Sceviour – could return. Continues to improve, versatile and plays a strong two-way game.
Patrick Eaves – Injury issues and could be time to let some kids take the minutes.
Travis Moen – a good veteran, but likely time to let him go.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (mailbag) The Stars might let goalie Jack Campbell go this offseason. With the possibility of an expansion draft, there could be more goalie available. The Stars could be in on any young goalie trade talk, and they might be willing to move one of their good young skaters to get one.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: It’s not known if GM Jim Nill thinks the Stars need full-blown changes in net. Nill will have tough choices on whether to bring some of his pending UFA defensemen back – Alex Goligoski, Jason Demers, Kris Russell and Jordie Benn. They could give bigger roles to Stephen Johns, Patrik Nemeth and Jamie Oleksiak. Esa Lindell is ready for the next step. Julius Honka could be ready as well. Nill could also look for a team who is looking to move a big contract like they did last offseason with Patrick Sharp.
Jamie Benn will be eligible to sign a big contract this offseason – in the eight-year, $80 range – so Nill could be looking to shed some future salary. Sharp and Ales Hemsky will come off the books after next season.
Tyler Seguin won’t need a new deal until 2019, but Jason Spezza’s $7.5 million deal will expire at the same time.