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Dallas Stars Daily Links: What Does Win-Now Mode Mean for Player Development?

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

The Dallas Stars have cracked a Stanley Cup window, and during the 2016 offseason they’re tending to the business of propping it open. But where does winning now start and player development end? Mike Heika of The Dallas Morning News thinks Jamie Oleksiak will either prove his worth or end up with another team sooner rather than later:

Question: If Dallas carries 8 defensemen again do you think that hurts Oleksiak’s development even more?

Heika: I have come to the conclusion that the development of Oleksiak is not a huge concern of the organization. They want to win. If Oleksiak helps them, that’s great. If not, he will follow the path of [Brenden] Dillon and [Jyrki] Jokipakka and [Mark] Fistric and [Nicklas] Grossmann and [Matt] Niskanen.

It’s tough be a pro athlete, but I believe that is the reality of the situation.

Heika also talked about whether a Cedar Park fan favorite has what it takes to make a lasting impression in the big league:

Question: Other than the goalies, what do you think the biggest question for the Stars going into next season is?

Heika: Esa Lindell. Everyone wants him to be very, very good, but becoming a very good defenseman in the NHL is a tough job. We’ll see if he can handle the pressure.

Read the full chat here, including discussion of D-man Dan Hamhuis‘ value-priced contract, forward Adam Cracknell‘s potential role with both Stars teams, and a possible timeline for Jamie Benn‘s re-signing. [SportsDayDFW]

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Speaking of Mike, he holds his weekly Stars chat today at 2 p.m. Central time. There’s still time to ask your questions. [SportsDayDFW]

In case you missed the Stars’ 2016 Prospect Development Camp scrimmage, Mark Stepneski has written a full report.

He’s also posted more than 14 minutes of footage from Saturday.

And on social media, prospects and players waved an enthusiastic “see you later” to Stars Center Frisco.

The Stars hosted two players from Korea during camp, but Dave Hazzan takes a look at the Canadian players who will make up much of their nation’s 2018 Winter Olympic team. [The Hockey News]

As it turns out, Phil Kessel played the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ entire 2015-16 season – all 106 games of it – with a hand injury that required surgery last Friday. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

“You’re wrong about Eric Lindros.” So says Gare Joyce, who’s written a great long read on the former All-Star (and soon to be Hall of Famer). [Sportsnet]

Now that the Toronto Maple Leafs have gone through James Reimer, Jonathan Bernier and Alex Stalock, GM Mike Babcock is in the market for an experienced backup to goalie Frederik Andersen. [NHL]

Sneak a peek at the groundbreaking (and, by design, ear-splitting) new arena that will replace the Detroit Red Wings‘ iconic Joe Louis.

The New Jersey Devils will “monitor” UFA alternate captain Patrik Eliáš this summer as he rehabs his surgically repaired right knee at home in the Czech Republic. [NJ.com]

They should, says William Agathis, who makes the case that the 40-year-old is still one of the Devils’ best forwards, and it’s not especially close. [Today’s Slapshot]

Olympian and three-time KHL All-Star Evgeny Medvedev is on his way to Avangard Omsk after one year playing defense with the Philadelphia Flyers. [Sportsnet]

Finally: Did I mention the Korean players at Stars development camp? Anyang Halla forward Sang-Hoon Shin made quite an impression with his speed, grit and stickhandling. See for yourself. [BarDown]

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