Dallas Stars Daily Links: Stephane Robidas Still Learning

"I'm still learning. I'm 36 but there are things I'm still learning."

So I may still be kind of hoping he wears the C for a season, but regardless, Stephane Robidas will certainly be an important veteran presence on the young Stars.

He may have twelve years in the league, and 9 now with the Stars, but Robi says he's looking for a fresh start this season.

"Forget about the past and what happened. I think that's the main thing for this team, is we're looking ahead and looking at the future but not really the future. It's really we're looking [at the] present."  [Fox Sports Southwest]

While Robidas will continue to anchor the blueline, a lot of change is happening around him, both on the ice and off it. In addition to the new and young faces of the on-ice personnel, a new look coaching staff marks a big change. We all know Lindy Ruff, but with him comes James Patrick, an assistant of his in Buffalo. Patrick, who Robidas played against early in his career, will be working primarily with the Stars defensive corps. Robi has this to say about him: "He knows the game. He's been around the game... For an older guy like me, it'll be fun to learn from a veteran guy like that who played... I think I can learn a lot from a guy like James Patrick."

Keep on learning Robi. They're gonna need you this season.

* * *

Finally! A pre-season list that the Stars top! ! Or Valeri Nichushkin does anyway. [NHL.com]

Rich Peverley skates with the team for the first time, after getting treatment by a specialist. No contact though, and he won't be game ready for a few weeks. [NBC]

Some thoughts on Philip Larsen's role with his new team the Edmonton Oilers. [Edmonton Journal]

This may be worth checking in on, if you happen to be free at 2p today. Mike Heika's doing a live chat on the Stars. Get your questions in now! [Sports Day DFW]

Odds of Dallas winning the Stanley Cup? Not too bad, especially considering we're not projected to make it to the playoffs. Hmm... [Sports Day DFW]

Fantasy hockey anyone? There's a preview of the Stars up on TSN, if that's your thing.

So after the fearsome debate spawned yesterday by ESPN's list of top goaltenders, they've gone and made up another best of list! Top defensemen in the league? Says who? Who are these so-called experts anyway? What are their motives? And what did they have against Kari Lehtonen? I want answers! [ESPN]

New rule change could be a blow to fighting in the NHL. Get it? A blow? Sigh... [CBS Sports]

And lastly, I'm forever on the fence regarding John Tortorella, but this quote about the Sedins is worth it: "What if they get hurt? So be it. You need to play the game the right way. You get injuries in a lot of different ways. You need to play the game the right way and that's what we're going to try to do." [NHL.com]