Over the last few years GM Jim Nill and his forward-thinking staff have turned the Dallas Stars into one of the best teams in hockey.
There have been very few mistakes along the way, but it’s safe to say their deadline acquisition of Kris Russell classifies as such.
Over the last few years Russell has been an absolute black hole in possession as the Flames were routinely caved in, regardless of competition, in terms of shot attempts, shots and scoring chances.
Russell’s offense at full-strength has been non-existent, too, as he has produced points at a lesser rate than the likes of Deryk Engelland and Nicklas Grossman over the last few seasons.
Perhaps the Stars thought a change of scenery and systems would benefit Russell, but that hasn’t proven to be the case.
With Russell on the ice the Stars control 50% of the scoring chances at 5 v 5 and 51% of 5 v 5 shot attempts. Without Russell the Stars have been much better off controlling 54% of the scoring chances (+4%) and 53.5% of the shot attempts.
In order to acquire a player they’re much better without the Stars had to give up Jyrki Jokipakka, who is probably nothing more than a depth defenseman, as well as forward prospect Brett Pollock and a conditional 2nd round pick in this year’s draft. Should the Stars get by the St. Louis Blues that 2nd would become a 1st.
That is a lot to give up for a player that makes your team worse, which is why it’s safe to call this one of the worst moves at the 2016 trade deadline.
