Dallas Stars Daily Links: Tyler Seguin And The Waiting Game

The NHL Draft is over, free agency has gone quiet, and the 2018 offseason stretches as far as the eye can see for hockey lovers everywhere. For Dallas Stars fans, the wait for word on a Tyler Seguin extension is making the summer that much longer and more uncomfortable.

But should it be? Certainly, Seguin himself is saying all the right things, writes Stars senior staff writer Mike Heika:

“My focus is I have another year with the [Stars], so there is no real thought of thinking of other teams or thinking of free agency,” Seguin said. “My focus is getting ready to play this year.”

When asked how he feels about the team, Seguin said: “I love it here. My objective is I want to win a championship here. I love Dallas, it’s home to me. So that’s my No. 1 goal.”

Yet as GM Jim Nill works behind the scenes, the interlocking ecosystem of market-setting salaries comes into play:

[I]f we all believe this will be an eight-year deal, the only question is what the salary level might be. The guess here is that the Stars would like any player interested in signing to not exceed Jamie Benn’s deal of $9.5 million per season.

Is that possible? Would [Erik] Karlsson sign that deal? Will Seguin?....

But all of these deals are connected in some regard. Yes, each player is different, but the history of the league is contracts get compared. So when the Tampa Bay Lightning sign Nikita Kucherov to an eight-year deal at an average of $9.5 million, then you take notice.

Mike has more. [Dallas Stars]

Stars Stuff

NHL.com’s fantasy staff is assessing every team’s offseason moves – and David Satriano writes that the return of Valeri Nichushkin, and the projected return to form of Jason Spezza, make the Stars “one of the most intriguing teams in the Western Conference.”

You’ve probably already read Robert’s write-up, but in case you missed it, Devin Shore has re-upped with a two-year, $4.6 million deal.

And now that 2018 NHL Draft re-entry pick Adam Mascherin has signed a three-year ELC, it would be irresponsible not to speculate about his role next season.

Around the League(s)

Marc-Andre Fleury has signed a three-year, $21 million extension, and he let Vegas Golden Knights fans know about it in a video that’s exactly 29 seconds long.

Is the Karlsson Saga going to drag on until training camp? “I don’t think Senators GM Pierre Dorion is in a hurry to make what will be a career-defining trade,” writes Chris Stevenson.

Taylor Hall was the 2018 league MVP, but he’d rather have a trophy he can lift with both hands, over his head – and he’d like to get it with the New Jersey Devils.

Pro Hockey Rumors wants to know where Max Pacioretty will end up. They think it might be Dallas, and they’ll let you choose that option in this poll.

Is it time for the Vancouver Canucks to trust Thatcher Demko? Corey Hirsch says the well-regarded goaltending prospect should get the chance to step up next season.

Former Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks blueliner Simon Després was a star on the rise before a major concussion dragged his career back to earth. Now he’s back from a season in the KHL, and the Montreal Canadiens have invited him to camp.

Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park

Mascherin isn’t the only signing expected to bolster the Texas Stars. Undrafted FA forward Samuel Laberge, 21, impressed enough in his rookie season to earn a new contract.

The T-Stars have also posted a getting-to-know-you video on veteran signee Erik Condra.

Finally

Parkour Goalie is the meme you’ve been waiting for all your life. Check out how this player keeps the offseason routine interesting, and enjoy.