Team: 2019-20 Dallas Stars

Initial Creation Date: Feb. 5, 2019

Published: Feb. 5, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I apologize in advance for all of the reading.

After doing a lot of number crunching and probably spending too much time figuring this out now I have stumbled upon an idea that may work for Dallas.

At the moment the Stars have 11 forwards under contract for next season, 4 defenseman and 2 tendys. The Stars won't need to worry about the goalie position this offseason. Two of the skaters that are under contract for next year are Martin Hanzal and Stephen Johns. Both of which have been dealing with injuries.

Hanzal carries a $4.75 mil cap hit for next season. He has played a total of 45 games for the Stars since he signed a 3-yr deal back in the 2017 offseason. I would not be surprised if Hanzal doesn't play another game in a Stars uniform. So next season, depending on how he is health wise, he might just need to be put in the LTIR.

As for Stephen Johns his situtaion is all about him taking the time he needs until he feels he can play again. He carries a $2.35 mil cap hit and while I would love to see him play next to Miro next season, his health is the number one priority. He could also be a candidate to be put on LTIR.

Between John and Hanzal that is $7.1 million in cap space if they were both to be put on LTIR for next season.

Departing Players- Of the players currently under contract who are set to be UFA/RFA, I expect most of them to stay. The ones who I anticipate would leave are Jason Spezza ($7.5 mil), Brett Ritchie ($1.75 mil), Connor Carrick ($1.3 mil), and Julius Honka ($863,333). not to mention Marc Methot's $4.9 mil, but since he was placed on the LTIR it is like he isn't there.

Of the pending UFA/RFA that I expect the Stars to resign include:
RFA-Mattias Janamrk (if not traded)- has played top-6 minutes is capable of the role, gets his chacnes but hasn't been able to finish. Great Speed and his defensive game has improved.

RFA-Jason Dickinson- He has played the 4th line center role quite often this season and I would expect him to do the same next season. Great on the PK and has contributed in the goal scoring department a handful of time.

RFA-Esa Lindell- Lindell doesn't get a lot of credit for what he does. Shadowed by Klingberg and Heiskanen Lindell is having himself a great year both offensively and defensively. On the top PK unit and has proven he is capable of big minutes when Klingberg was sidelined for a few weeks with a broken hand

UFA Roman Polak- Polak has been a diamond in the rough for the Stars this season. pairs with Lindell on the top PK unit. Is more of a 3rd pairing d-man but has played on the 2nd line next to Miro most of the season.

UFA Taylor Fedun- Fedun was acquired to be a guy to play in the AHL but with injuries was given his chance and has stuck with it. He is the perfect 6th/7th d-man and I would love to see him back next year.

This is what I am currently predicting for these guys. I will give a range of what I think and will "sign" them to the higher of the range.

From most to least expensive-

Esa Lindell- $4 - 4.5 mil
Mattias Janmark- $2-2.5 mil
Jason Dickinson $1 - 2 mil
Roman Polak $ 1 - 1.5 mil
Taylor Fedun $ 900k - 1 mil

If all those signings are made and Johns and Hanzal are put on LTIR that leaves Dallas with just under $18 mil in cap space which is plenty to go out and sign one maybe two top-6 forwards ie: Panarin, Stone, Nyquist, Dzingel, Hayes, Zuccarello, Silfverberg.

I personally would love Dzingel becasue I think he will only cost between $ 4-5 mil and I'd give him a 2/3 year deal and then he re enters free agency at age 28/29.

Then sign one of the others. at the moment I have no preference. I would love Panarin, but I don't think Dallas is on his radar.

And with whatever money is left over they can go and sign a top 4 defenseman. or keep the cap space and give a rookie a chance and maybe trade for a dman near the deadline.

I would like to see both Ty Dellandrea and Jason Robertson see NHL time next year. (That is, if neither of them is traded)

I am not really focused on how long the deals could be with the UFA signings but in the scenario the money + length of contract is all flexible. I just thought of the general idea.

Note: I would continue to shop Val because it not only would shed some cap, but would also get some of the younger guys a look.

Note: the $83 Million cap is from that being the projected cap for next year.

If you made it this far, well I thank you for reading all of this.