Despite the Dallas Stars making it into the postseason, it would still be considered a mediocre season. Inconsistency was their best friend as they would have impressive win streaks, only to lose to teams at the bottom of their divisions. With a new coach at the helm, the Stars are set to make the most of the young players. The veterans will need to find their place on a different Dallas team, but all must work together if they are to overcome inconsistent play and get past the first round of the playoffs.
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By The Numbers
Record: 40-30-6
Power Play: 22.41% (11th)
Penalty Kill: 79% (19th)
Goals For: 238 (21st)
Goals Against: 246 (13th)
Best Player
Jason Robertson had what you might consider a breakout season with 79 points total during the regular season. Those points came off the back of 41 goals and 38 assists. But it didn’t end there. In the playoffs, he had one goal and three assists in seven games. Who knows how many more points he could have racked up if Dallas had made it past the Calgary Flames. However, don’t forget about Joe Pavelski, Roope Hintz, and Jake Oettinger. They should get honorable mentions for their seasons. Despite the disappointing end to the season, the Stars have talent that should serve them well in future seasons.
Biggest Disappointment
At the beginning of the season, John Klingberg looked poised to shake off the poor production plaguing him for the last few seasons. However, he still appears to be lost. With only six goals and 41 assists in 74 games, the 29-year-old appears not to be making the progress he should. As a result, trade talks surrounded Klingberg starting about the middle of the season leading up to the trade deadline. Unfortunately, he is set to be an unrestricted free agent unless a deal between him and Dallas comes to fruition. Perhaps he will get a two to three-year deal to see how he performs under Peter DeBoer. However, a change of scenery might serve Klingberg well.
Behind The Bench Analysis
Rick Bowness did his best; however, it was not enough. Bowness stepped in after the Stars fired Jim Montgomery in December 2019. As head coach, Bowness had the issue of some key players not living up to their potential. The 2021-22 season, despite the inconsistency, was better than the last. However, it still was not as good as it could have been. Bowness was not able to get players to produce as they should. His two-year contract expired at the end of this season, and both sides chose not to continue on the same path together.
Front Office Analysis
General manager Jim Nill has had ups and downs during his tenure, and he is hoping this past season was just one on the way up. He has a few decisions to make on players, and he has been okay up to this point. Some things could be better, but a lot could be worse. One look at teams like the Colorado Avalanche or the Tampa Bay Lightning will tell Nill where he needs the team to be if he wants a bright and shiny cup. Hiring DeBoer is just a first step of a plan we know nothing about.
2022 NHL Entry Draft Picks
Right now, Dallas has six picks in the upcoming draft; one in each of the first six rounds. They sent their seventh-round pick to the Buffalo Sabres along with Ben Bishop. The thought is Dallas might take a forward unless contract talks with Klingberg do not work out. Then they might consider taking a defenseman. Although it is always possible to replace Klingberg once free agency begins. Having the 18th overall pick gives the Stars options, and it will be up to Nill to choose wisely for the future.
Offseason Wish/Checklist for 2022-2023
Dallas needs to get younger. Although their older players do contribute, youth is supreme in the NHL at the moment. The youth and talent they have now will need to be refined and that comes with time. Nill will need to add pieces to compliment players like Robertson and Oettinger. He has gone the route of bringing in veterans, but it has not taken them very far. Free agency will be Nill’s best friend if he focuses on youth and skill. Especially if he wants Dallas to make a cup run and make it further than the first round.
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