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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Questions Remain in Net, on Blue Line

Posted on by Melissa Flandreau

While answering a wave of questions on Twitter yesterday, Mike Heika looked at how the expansion draft might influence the Stars‘ decisions on defense.

Heika also emphasized which players the team will look to protect.

And in a recent Stars chat, Heika also addressed why the Stars have seen so many struggles in net.

Question: Why can’t the Dallas Stars draft and grow any decent goalies? Why can’t the Dallas Stars include the Allen American’s fine organization in their minor league system?
Heika: It’s actually a great question and something I was going to tackle before the draft. The Stars used to churn out great goalies like Roman Turek, Manny Fernandez, Marty Turco and Mike Smith, and they were following the same game plan when they drafted Jason Bacashiua 26th in 2001, Tyler Beskorowany 59th in 2008 and Jack Campbell 11th in 2010.

You can argue they made the right choices but they just didn’t pan out. It’s something they have to fix going forward. They’re hoping they have made a start in the right direction by signing Landon Bow.

There’s more—including whether the Stars could go after Frederik Andersen—at the link. [SportsDayDFW]

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Over at Wrong Side of the Red Line, Sean Shapiro has released a Stars NHL Draft Guide. You can read all about potential prospects for Dallas for $3/month. [WSotRL]

Three scouts debate whether they would take Patrik Laine over Auston Matthews. [Sportsnet]

Pavel Datsyuk announced he will retire from the NHL to play in Russia next season.

Joe Sakic says that defenseman Tyson Barrie isn’t up for grabs. [The Hockey News]

The Ducks signed Sami Vatanen to a four-year, $19.5 million deal.

And speaking of Anaheim, don’t expect the Ducks to sit quietly during the offseason. [NHL]

See which prospects the Canucks could be eyeing in this year’s draft. [Sportsnet]

It’s looking like Blues captain David Backes will hit the market this summer.

From the Red Wings to the Rangers, the teams that could have a shot at signing Steven Stamkos. [The Score]

For a cool $137,000, Jim Craig’s “Miracle” mask could have been yours. Good news: There’s still a chance you could land his gold medal. [Puck Daddy]

And finally, don’t forget you can send well wishes to Dave Strader at WellWishesForStrader@DallasStars.com

Talking Points