Dallas Stars Daily Links: The Value of Kari

Editor’s note: this was all written prior to Thursday night’s loss

One of the many things that we’ve learned in the last few years is that Kari Lehtonen can be a pretty frustrating starting goalie. Some nights he looks unbeatable, using his huge frame and deft positioning to stonewall the opponent. Other nights he just looks beat and gives up 3 goals on 5 shots (or 3 goals on 3 shots, as evidenced by last night’s game).

It may seem strange that the Stars would want to keep him around given his inconsistency, but as Mike Heika explains, having a fringe starting goalie as a backup is a pretty valuable asset that most teams would be envious of (and it’s not like the Stars have a lot of NHL ready goalie talent in their system):

The Stars don't have a ton of goalies ready to step up to the NHL level, so having Lehtonen is something that is pretty important. In a perfect world, I think Kari works out great as the backup this year and then signs a much cheaper deal. Depending on how Landon Bow and Jake Oettinger advance, Kari could actually be a key player for a few years if he and the team are open to that possibility.

See more questions answered over at Mike’s place. [SportsDayDFW]

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Stars stuff

Not quite the result that we were hoping for. [NHL]

As long as we aren’t on the penalty kill too often: Sonny Sachdeva thinks the Stars could stand to benefit from the uptick in whistles this season. [SportsNet]

Mike Heika also notes the increased importance of special teams this season. [SportsDayDFW]

Daily preseason games will not be broadcast by the Stars reminder: Even though we’d reeeaaaalllly love to be the heroes here, it’s unfortunately not possible.

Scott Burnside has a podcast! Check it out here or wherever else you listen to podcasts.

Around the League

It seems like Bobby Orr would have sparked this movement 40+ years ago, but this Tal Pinchevsky piece explains why offensive-minded defensemen are the most valuable asset in the NHL. [ESPN]

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Kings beat the Canucks 5-2 in the first NHL game played in China. [Sporting News]

As much as I loved him, I’m not sure Derian Hatcher could have survived in today’s game, where the rules really punish slower defensemen. [SportsNet]

Elliote Friedman’s 31 Thoughts opens with former NHL-er Jason Blake, who 10 years ago was diagnosed with the same form of cancer that Brian Boyle has, giving some input and hope for Boyle’s future. [SportsNet]

Jared Clinton takes a look at five teams facing tricky waiver wire situations heading into the season, including your Dallas Stars. [The Hockey News]

We will know what the future holds for Jaromir Jagr no later than October 5th. [Puck Daddy]

Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Rob Ryan is sick and tired of Don Cherry getting all the terrible outfit glory:

Dave Lozo gives his thoughts on all of the slashing penalties, how bad the Kings could be, and the best Price is Right games in his NHL Mailbag. While Plinko is undoubtedly the GOAT, I think the putt-putt one deserves a spot on the list as well. [The Comeback]