I'm back, and here's what is on my Dallas Stars mind
by Brandon Worley on Jul 8, 2010 6:13 PM CDT
in Dallas Stars Analysis
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PrintI guess I couldn't stay away forever.
Last week I stepped down from my post at Pro Hockey Talk, and started talking to Brad about eventually coming back here to Defending Big D. After a rough couple of months, which led to my decision to leave PHT, I had decided it would be best to step away from blogging and writing for a least a month or so. I just needed some time away, some time to regather myself.
Talking to Brad and the other guys here at DBD, the plan was for me to come back later this fall, but certain circumstances have sort of pushed that timetable up a bit.
Brad is going to continue to be the managing editor here at DBD and run things. He's done an incredible job since I turned things over to him, and he's going to keep on rolling with it. I'm not going to just jump back in, pumping out three posts per day like before. But I am going to be rejoining the team here, and hopefully continue to build upon the great job they've been doing the past few months. Our goal here is to always improve and continue to provide the best Dallas Stars news and analysis we possibly can.
I'm also going to be contributing to SB Nation Dallas-Fort Worth, serving as a weekly columnist -- opining on the Stars, Cowboys, Mavericks and Rangers.
So one thing that always remains the same with me, is I've got an opinion and something to say about the Stars. So here's what's been on my mind the past week or so.
A few days ago, someone wrote a column somewhere that seemed to openly hint that the Dallas Stars lost some young talent because of the team's financial trouble. The column brought up the "three young and promising prospects" that departed via free agency for Phoenix, who supposedly will be reaping the benefits of the Stars' misfortunes.
Let me assure you: the loss of Matt Climie, Matthew Beaudoin and Garrett Stafford will not be hurting the Dallas Stars' future. The Texas Stars will certainly feel their losses, but Joe Nieuwendyk can't make financial decisions based on whether the Stars' AHL team will be hurting. I'm not expecting to see these players spend any significant time in the NHL anytime soon, and if they do then great for them.
This isn't a loss of Colton Sceviour or Philip Larsen. It's Garrett Stafford.
But no matter what has happened (or hasn't happened) because of the Stars' financial issues, we have yet to see the Stars actually lose their own talent because of it. These three were likely on their way out, especially considering the entry level contracts the Stars will need to be handing out sometime soon. We may have lost the chance to sign needed talent but you can't say the Stars lost out on some top prospects.
We haven't seen the real Brenden Morrow for almost two years now. Sean Avery came into the Stars' world, Brenden Morrow temporarily lost his mind and then he blew his knee out.
It takes a while for players to fully recover from ACL injuries, and while the general timeline is a year or so, you normally don't see players really get back to being themselves for nearly two years. Just ask Tom Brady.
Unfortunately, Morrow's first year back after his injury came during a tough time for the Stars. The coaching change, the system and philosophy change and the constant changing of the lines left many wondering just where the heck our beloved captain had disappeared to. We caught glimpses of the Morrow we all loved, but he was never the great leader and great playmaker he had become in 2008.
The comments about trying not to get injured so he can play in the Olympics didn't help matters.
This led Stars fans to start calling for a trade, or a change of the captaincy. If Morrow isn't going to be the hard-nosed, relentless leader he needed to be, then perhaps it was time to move.
I'll admit it was tough seeing Morrow struggle last season. Yet we need to give him a chance this season to prove himself, that he is indeed the player that deserves the "C" on his chest.
This season will be the ultimate test, for many players. The sale of the team will be finalized, hopefully soon, and Joe Nieuwendyk can move forward with his plan for truly building this team. This will be Morrow's chance to prove he deserves to stay, especially with contracts coming up over the next few years.
I wrote a story earlier this week about Joe Nieuwendyk's plan, and how he's yet to be able to truly implement it, whatever that might be exactly.
It was then mentioned to me by a fellow writer that the Stars were in a rebuilding mode, and that it's unfortunate that the Stars are in such a low spot.
I begged to differ. The Stars aren't in rebuilding mode. The Stars aren't building through free agency. They aren't selling off assets for prospects and draft picks. They aren't doing anything.
The Stars are stuck in purgatory.
Because of the financial restrictions of the team, the Stars can't go out and get the few extra pieces they really need to take the Stars from being a fringe playoff team to a serious playoff contender. There's no doubt that the Stars are just a couple of pieces away, especially on defense. It would have been really nice to have been able to make a trade for a defenseman that could help out not only this season and in the future.
But it's because the Stars are a talented team with a good future (it's true) that Nieuwendyk can't just go into firesale mode. We the fans (and Nieuwendyk) must bide our time until the sale is complete and we can all just forward.
Until then, it's purgatory.
Update...one more. It's quick.
I've seen it mentioned a couple of times (not just here on DBD) that Mike Modano's decision to move on to Detroit is fueled by a paycheck. Now, I don't know Mike personally but I have to think that this is far, far from the truth.
Ilya Kovalchuk is being fueled by a paycheck.
I can almost guarantee you that Modano's motivation has nothing to do with money. The man has been making millions of dollars for the better part of two decades, he has numerous endorsement deals and despite a failed investment I doubt he's hurting so bad financially he's desperate for one more contract, that's likely to be between $1 - $2 million.
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Welcome back
And again lets reinforce the idea that the Stars will get better. Eventually.
I am still "FRISKY FOR NISKY"
Welcome back!
Proud fan of the #1 college hockey team in the nation - Miami University Redhawks - The Brotherhood. RIP Brendan Burke.
Who the heck is this "Brandon Worley"?
I’m am distrustful of him! BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Kidding. YAAAAAAAAY!
Support Your Local Coyotes Blog - Five For Howling
JaredFromLondon: ...Odin, he's cool.
Welcome Back!
That was Colishaw that wrote the nonsense about losing young talent to Phx. I used to like his hockey writing about 10 years ago, but he has lost touch with hockey and is focused on other interests. He made a big deal about the AHL stars and the young talent making it to the Calder Cup. In reality we had very little young talent on that team. It was mostly older journeymen. The guys we lost will have little impact on the Stars. In fact their departure will be good for the development of our true young talent, if not the Texas Stars record.
I have been sticking up for Morrow with the same rationale on a 2 year time line to recover from ACL (Makes you worry about Wandell). I am a little concerned with the style he plays and age combined with that injury. But am definitely willing to give him the 2nd year to turn it around.
Finally, Joe’s plan. I have come to believe that he sees a forward group in the top 5 in the NHL. He does not want to move pieces of that to transfer to the blue line, Ribs stays. Lehts comes through in goal. The young guys on the blue line sink/swim/improve. Hold on for the sale. Bump budget $10mil. Buy 2 top 4 D-men. Trade the left over D and some other depth guys for a good Right Wing/face off man. Make Cup Run.
I’m sure he knows he probably has 2 more years at most. Not enough time to build via draft. He strikes me as a guy that wants to win it all … and this seems like the only scenario with some (rather long) chance.
Welcome back
Sad to hear that about PHT… i had just started to visit that site regularly in the last month or so and was really impressed with the content that was being provided. It was nice to have a national blog with a little bit of Dallas Stars “slant” to it, I guess you could say.
That said, looking forward to more excellent stuff from this site, which will only improve with your return.
H-hey you can still visit PHT if you want! :)
When I'm not battling in California:
Cycle Like The Sedins
by jamestobrien on Jul 8, 2010 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh i will
it was just cool to have a Dallas perspective on there is all. PHT is definitely still in the bookmarks though.
by disposablehero on Jul 9, 2010 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Ha! You just couldn't stay away!
Welcome home to the motherland.
Supporting your local ice troll, 24/7/365
And all is right with the world
Welcome back Brandon.
I’m pretty sure most of us realize Mo’s intentions. As for Morrow, I tend to base my opinion on what I saw from him prior to and after the Olympics. You can rationalize that playing for his country is more important, but I’m not buying it.
However, even though I’m impatient by nature, I have no choice but to wait and see how he does this coming season. I hope for his sake that Ribs isn’t traded.
Yeah...
It was pretty darn discouraging. I have to admit I really wavered in my opinion of the guy.
One of the last Joe Nieuwendyk supporters in Dallas....
Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
SB Nation Dallas-Fort Worth
by Brandon Worley on Jul 8, 2010 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Admit it, Brandon. You missed all us little people back at DBD :)
It’s great to have you back.
Here's to all us girls who love hockey...and the men who play it.
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Jul 8, 2010 10:08 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
welcome back!
I concur with several of your points….especially about Morrow and Modano.
I support Brenny 1000%. I was going to say 110% but that wasn’t enough. He was my pick for Captain when they made the unfortunate decision to give it to Mike. Tsk tsk…
Mike, while not Captain (for extended periods of time, mind you) material, is not doing this for money or for a championship. He wants to be needed, he wants to stay active and he still loves the game. My problem with Mike is his seemingly inability to keep HIMSELF motivated. He gets bored, or frustrated then shuts it down. Drives me batty.
We’ve seen all too well how this team performs when our players try to do everything for everyone because they either don’t trust their teammates to do it or they are trying to step it up. Yup NOTHING gets done. Well, except wearing themselves out with wasted efforts.
Just my $0.25 worth…
**Proof SOME rules are meant to be broken**
Great to have you Back!
This is the best news I have heard so far…;) Missed having you around Brandon.
Welcome Home.
MIke
What happened with Pro Hockey Talk?
I was reading that blog every day just for you, and was wondering where you had disappeared to. Out of curiosity what caused you to step down?
Some personal stuff...
Nothing to do with NBC or anything.
One of the last Joe Nieuwendyk supporters in Dallas....
Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
SB Nation Dallas-Fort Worth
by Brandon Worley on Jul 9, 2010 8:12 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
oh...
And please continue to read PHT. James and Joe do a great job over there.
One of the last Joe Nieuwendyk supporters in Dallas....
Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
SB Nation Dallas-Fort Worth
by Brandon Worley on Jul 9, 2010 8:13 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
always liked your earnest truth in your articles.
and purgatory is the correct word for the team’s current state; i think i speak for all by saying that day couldn’t come sooner, nor could your return. welcome back.
and brad and bibb and the rest, keep up the helluva job you’ve been doing. isn’t a day i’m not on this site, and it’s cause of all you guys, and the faithful followers here.
new time i shouldn't write
when going to bed. meant getting out of purgatory couldn’t come sooner. sure you could figure that one out.
Welcome back sir!
It’s always good to welcome back someone who not only cares about the team enough to start one of, if not the best Stars blogs around. Thank you for all of your efforts and it’s nice to see you posting here again (PHT was nice… it just wasn’t the Stars. 31 other teams who? :P)
An I couldn’t agree more with your points you have here. I read Ralph Strangis’ post today and I happen to think he’s on to something and fully agree with him (in regards to Modano). Does it suck seeing the all-time leading Stars player depart? Yes. Did it hurt to see Emmit Smith go? Of course. Does Green Bay feel betrayed by Farve leaving? Obviously. Deep down, though, we all know Modano is and will always be a Star (Dallas or North Star… both.)
That being said, I think Neiuwy is trying his hardest and doing the best he can with the restrictions put in place. He has made some very smart (albeit possibly very risky/dangerous) moves so far that more than likely will keep this team right on the cusp of being something extraordinary. Are we missing pieces? Yes. Big time. However, I think he’s doing what he can as quickly as he can to bring those pieces into place for our future.
As for Morrow… Every time I see him in the Green and Gold I see someone who isn’t playing to their fullest. Someone who is reserving themselves. When I saw him don the Team Canada jersey he turned into an absolute BEAST who flat-out amazed me with his play. I think the difference (in his eyes) was the he knew that the team he was with could easily take gold (and look, they did… but it wasn’t easy). When he comes back to Dallas to play he sees a lot of potential but he KNOWS that what we currently have in place just isn’t enough to cut it. What I’m hoping he is doing is saving himself for when the pieces are in place and some of our younger guys have matured a bit. Which brings us to this next season…
If our talent this next year can actually live up to their potential and stop running around and having brain farts all day (hello Daly and Neal?) then I think this team could do something special this year. We have the talent, the talent just needs to be slapped around a bit and have their eyes opened up.
Anyways, sorry for the tirade, it’s 04:33 in the morning and I should probably go to sleep.
Long story short, it’s nice to have you back Brandon and PLEASE GO BACK TO 3 POSTS A DAY >:( I need something to read during downtime at work ;)
Bleh
Morrow explained the Avery bungle quite well in the Bridgestone “Captains Driven” interview — he straight out said he isn’t a disciplinarian and was too nice. Honestly, I wish he’d look at waht just happened to Marty and trade to a functioning team. That’s why he did so well in the Olympics, but he’s more loyal than his fans. :D
Welcome Back
It’s good to see you back here Brandon!
Hi guys. New face here. I have been reading this site few years and finally joined. I’m from Finland and have been in Dallas twice. I love the city and did like Forth Worth too.
The reason why my first comment is shown in this story is Brandon Worley. It’s good to see you back in this site.
Wow...thanks...
And we hope you keep commenting. Perhaps you can give us some insight on any Finnish hockey news.
One of the last Joe Nieuwendyk supporters in Dallas....
Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
SB Nation Dallas-Fort Worth
by Brandon Worley on Jul 9, 2010 9:11 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'd love to.
Jarmo Kekalainen is the new GM of my favorite team Jokerit, so perhaps there will be something nice to share soon.
By the way I miss Turco, but I hope Lehtonen will be good next three years and perhaps some more. He was pure magic when he played with Jokerit, but he didn’t then train that hard… Let’s hope he can find a new home in Dallas. Campbell is nice to have around, but this way there is no rush with him. I heard he will need 3-4 years before he will enter?
It remains to be seen.
One of the reasons why I made it to Dallas twice was Morrow. I didn’t saw him first time, so I came back and… It was sad to see him play… There were many moments when he was there, but “wasn’t”… Still I have look at next season and see how he enters. It’s too early to want him gone.
We've heard about him
“Not training hard” from Atlanta people as well.
I hope the Stars are taking steps to change that. I’m sure they are.
by Brad Gardner on Jul 9, 2010 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow… I had forgotten how much I enjoy reading when you go off on your Stars rants… ;) Good to have you back writing… hope you enjoyed that week long break! hahaha
View From My Seats
Sarcasm: God's gift to smart people...
Good to see you back
JD’s like, "you want some fucking pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, bitches!"- RCCook
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