Team: 2023-24 Dallas Stars

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 15, 2023

Published: Jun. 15, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Both Dadonov and Gudas deals are based off Frank Seravallis FA Projections

While I know a majority of the Stars fan base is on team buy out Suter, I don’t know how much sense it actually makes. Suter is the teams 3rd best defensemen (not because he’s great, but because the other guys around him are just awful in Lindell, Hakanpaa and Miller) and I think the only way it makes sense to buy out Suter is if you’re going for a big trade/FA acquisition (Orlov/Karlsson/etc) but here’s why I think keeping Suter till his contract runs out is the best course of action

1. No dead money on the books. In a few years all 3 of Benn, Lindell, and Suters contracts will expire and fittingly the same year as Oettinger and Johnston. You’re gonna want as much money as possible to pay those 2 guys and not to mention Robertson isn’t too far behind

2. Suter actually isn’t as bad as he’s made out to be. Suter in a reduced, 3rd pair role at the money he makes isn’t awful. It was no secret he got exposed in the Vegas series. Playing 20+ minutes a night at age 38 will play a huge factor in that. If Suter goes down to 15-16 minutes a night I believe you’ll see massive improvements.

Again Suter was the 3rd best dman for this team and it really showed in rounds 1 and 2. While he struggled in round 3, Lindell Hakanpaa and Miller all struggled just as much if not more. If the plan is to buy out Suter than rocking the right side as Lundkvist/Miller/Hakanpaa then the defense is in big trouble. It’s not ideal to have Miro on his off-side but when your 4 best guys on the backend are Miro/Harley/Suter/Lindell, and your defensive group is already as weak as it is, the only option you’re really left with is Miro on his off-side.

I think Gudas makes a ton of sense for Dallas. He provides what Hakanpaa was suppose to provide for the Stars. Gudas’ reasonable cap hit makes it a realistic option and the team won’t need major moves. Another off season of development for Lundkvist will make him a stronger player coming into the season too

Long story short: a Suter buyout only makes sense if you’re going for a big fish either up front with the likes of DeBrincat/Dubois or on the backend with Orlov/Karlsson

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