With a record of 30-30-3, the Dallas Stars are currently looking like a fringe playoff team. Inconsistent play throughout has this team facing many questions. From the outside looking in, it is hard to tell whether Dallas is certain what they want to do. Throughout this season, the Stars have been anything but dependable as far as knowing what you will get from them on the ice any given night. From five wins in a row on the road to ending a winning streak to terrible teams, Dallas can not find their identity. This makes it difficult to decide what the proper move to make will be.
Make sure to check out all of our other NHL Trade Deadline Previews.
Current Status
Current Record: 30-20-3
Division Standings: Fifth in the Central
Buyers or Sellers: Sellers
John Klingberg
Rumors have been surrounding Klingberg for the better part of a year. The silky D-man has been a staple of the Dallas blue line for the last few years. Recently though, the tide has turned on him. The Swedish defensemen long ago stated his frustration with Dallas not resigning him. Those frustrations have seemed to carry over to his play on the ice this year.
Once known for an offensive threat with the puck, Klingberg is missing the electricity he once possessed. With tensions high between his camp and the front office, one has to imagine changes are on the way. This season, Klingberg is a shadow of himself with a lone goal, only 26 points, and a plus/minus of -17. Look for Dallas to put feelers out and possibly ship out Klingberg as a rental for the playoffs to a contender elsewhere.
Alexander Radulov
Though his play can sometimes light up the arena, Radulov’s performance this season is more like a flickering basement lamp. Known as the grinder of the top lines who can find a goal when needed, Radulov is desperate to get back to form. If a change of scenery is necessary for the 35-year-old, Dallas may look to get late picks in return for the vet.
The oldest team in the NHL definitely has the experience needed to excel in this league. The only issue seems to be only Joe Pavelski knows what it means to be aging and productive. If Radulov isn’t moved before the deadline, he will be hoping for a one-year contract with Dallas going forward.
Following a game-winning goal in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Rads is hoping to gain momentum. The 2004 first-round draft pick has proven throughout his career he can go on a rampage. Hopefully, his last performance will help raise his stock.
Michael Raffl
Although Raffl hasn’t been a bad pickup for the Stars, moving a player like Raffl can open up spots for budding forwards in this system to thrive. So, if Dallas’ front office intends on building around young players such as Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and others, then the time will come when older roster players get shipped.
Sitting at six goals and 13 points on the season, Raffl does not seem to be a pillar of this Dallas offense. However, he could shore up a contender’s third or fourth line and serve as a seasoned winger into the playoffs. If the Stars do hold on to Raffl, his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
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