With a logjam of young defensemen—including Esa Lindell and Julius Honka—waiting in the wings, there’s been plenty of debate over whether Patrik Nemeth and/or Jamie Oleksiak have a place with the Stars. Sean Shapiro breaks down three ways the Stars could move forward with the two young defensemen.
Option 2: If the Stars decided to sign multiple pending UFAs, that would signal it’s time to punt on both players and move Oleksiak and Nemeth this summer.
Consider Dallas already has three blue line spots solidly entrenched for John Klingberg, Johns and Oduya, while the organization is high on giving Lindell an opportunity next season. Bringing back any combination of defensive UFAs would once again relegate Nemeth and Oleksiak to benchwarmer duty.
In that case it would be best for both the players and the organization to make a move. Flip Nemeth and Oleksiak at the draft for a couple of picks, and wash your hands of the situation.
Head to the link to check out what else the Stars could do about their blue line. [Today’s Slapshot]
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Since the announcement of Gordie Howe’s death yesterday, there’s been a outpouring of memories and support from the hockey community. You can read several tributes at Sportsnet and see what NHL players had to had to say (Wayne Gretzky included). Michael Farber also penned an article, as did Adam Gopnik at The New Yorker.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Gordie Howe. Rest in peace, #MrHockey. pic.twitter.com/YbcT9eWpzX
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) June 10, 2016
ICYMI, the Stars signed Brett Ritchie to a one-year contract. If General Fanager is to be believed, it’s a one-way contract. [DBD]
The Devils traded forwards Paul Thompson and Graham Black to the Panthers in exchange for a 2018 second-round pick and Marc Savard‘s contract. [TSN]
Can the Penguins defense rebound in Game 6 and hold off a Sharks comeback? [The Hockey News]
Over at Mashable, a look at the Kenya Ice Hockey League and their dream of fielding an Olympic team. [Mashable]
Here’s another round of superlatives from The Tonight Show.
The Sharks will need their best players to step up if they want to force a Game 7. [NHL]
The NHL has revealed a few more details on what a potential 2017 expansion draft would look like. [Globe and Mail]
Read up on what moves the Kings could make this offseason. [TSN]
Former Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom has inked a contract with the Finnish league’s HIFK. [The Hockey News]
And finally, don’t forget to head the Frisco Rally House today at noon.
Share some laughs with Craig Ludwig at @RallyTexas in Frisco tomorrow from 12 pm-1 pm. pic.twitter.com/6TaZRTt4Fk
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) June 10, 2016