On the Dallas Stars – Prospects, Expansion draft and Lindy Ruff …
Sean Shapiro of WFAA: Alas, Dallas is back in more of a seller’s mode this trade deadline. One of the things they can address is their prospect pipeline.
“In the past, at least for the four years I covered the Texas Stars on a beat basis, Cedar Park Center was a destination for scouts. This season the list of teams scouting the Texas Stars on a consistent basis is much smaller as they’ve been fielding what looks like an ECHL roster at times.”
Shapiro says other than Julius Honka and Denis Gurianov, the Stars do not have much higher end talent. Part of that solution may involve trading Patrick Sharp. Dallas can also take advantage of the goal surge from Patrick Eaves. This may net up to two solid prospects in the right market.
Mike Heika of The Dallas Morning News: There are obvious players to protect but decisions are to be made.
“Some of the questions would be: Should they protect Oleksiak or Nemeth over Johns? Should they protect Niemi over Lehtonen? should they protect Roussel over Eakin? And should they protect Nichushkin at all?”
Heika speculates Antoine Roussel and Cody Eakin could have trade value. Stephen Johns might be protected but the possibility others may be traded looms.
Jared Clinton of The Hockey News: Injuries and bad luck have derailed the Stars season. Worse, Lindy Ruff is nearing the end of his contract.
“The Stars’ decision for the future behind the bench will be one of the most important the franchise makes in the coming months. There are plenty of options available, be it Ruff or otherwise, and choosing the right coach for the job could very well be the difference between Dallas taking the next step or a few years where the playoffs aren’t quite a certainty.”
Clinton drives the point home of how important a decision this is. A wrong decision on Ruff can set Dallas back several years. Also, the market already has three interim coaches (Isles, Panthers, and Bruins). Therefore, Dallas may have to wait awhile.