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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Jason Demers and the Dallas Defense

There’s no denying that the Stars’ defensive woes have been painful, but there’s a youth movement taking place, and help is on the way in the form of guys like Julius Honka, Stephen Johns, and Esa Lindell. And while it’s a good problem to have so many talented blueliners, not everyone can stick around forever.

So where does Jason Demers fit? Mike Heika takes a look in his latest player profile at the Dallas Morning News. Along with being cap friendly, Demers has this going for him:

Last season, Demers led the Stars in SAT_ a statistic that measures even strength shots for and against _ at plus-222 in 61 games played. That’s important. It says that while he is on the ice, the Stars are creating a lot of shots and not giving up many. That makes him a positive possession player, and stat gurus like that stuff.

But what happens at the end of 2015-16 when Demers, who will be 28 at that point, needs a new contract?

Demers is two years older than Dillon, and we’ve outlined the difference in their games. It’s important to note that some of the concerns about Dillon are also concerns with Jokipakka and Oleksiak _ and we’re not sure yet if they would be concerns with Johns or Lindell. So, is it worth it to keep a smart, midsize experienced defenseman at a cost or do you roll the dice on the kids?

That is what the Stars will be watching this season. If Demers knocks their socks off, he might be around for a while. If he doesn’t, he might be on another team next season.

You can read more at the link, then sound off with your thoughts below. [DMN]

First up, the NHL announced that 45 preseason games will feature 3-on-3 overtime regardless of the score at the end of regulation. That gives each team the chance to test drive their dream OT trios a trio of times. [NHL]

NHL.com’s Mike Morreale had some nice things to say about Julius Honka‘s play at the Traverse City Prospects Tournament.

The Finnish defenseman appeared a lot more confident and polished in his return to Traverse City. Not only was he in command at the point, but he also had a few big hits to the surprise of the opposition. Honka, 19, had an added edge to his game this year after spending 2014-15 in the AHL with Texas, where he had eight goals and 23 assists in 68 games. Honka (5-11, 185) had one goal, two assists and a plus-4 rating in four games for fifth-place Dallas.

You can see his complete list of the tournament’s top 11 players at the link. [NHL]

The Hockey News also offered some insight on the top prospects in Traverse City. Along with Honka, notable Stars players include Mattias Janmark, Radek Faksa, Cole Ully, and Devin Shore. [The Hockey News]

If you missed Mike Heika’s regular Stars chat, you catch up on all the action. [DMN]

I hope that everyone here already liked P.K. Subban because he just made it really tough to hate him. The Montreal defenseman plegded $10 million to the Montreal Children’s Hospital over the next seven years.

Patrick Kane is on the Blackhawks training camp roster and is “expected to attend.” [Chicago Sun-Times]

From the Capitals‘ chances at winning the Cup to Zachary Fucale’s future, Dan Rosen answers a few of your burning questions. [NHL]

Over at Sportsnet, a look at why PTOs are an important part of the offseason. [Sportsnet]

Although it came down to the wire, the Islanders and forward Brock Nelson agreed to a deal.

That means Nelson will have a chance to wear the Islanders‘ new third jersey, officially unveiled yesterday. Do y’all like them or agree with Sullen John Tavares and give them a thumbs down?

The New Jersey Devils were also busy yesterday and signed Jiri Tlusty to a one-year, $800,000 deal. [NJ.com]

Slava Voynov announced that he’s planning to play in Russia. [TSN]

After having surgery to remove a blood clot, Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is skating again. [Tampa Bay Times]

A survey of 35 players at the NHL/NHLPA media tour revealed that 34 of them would welcome a gay player in the locker room. [Sports Illustrated]

Here’s Steven Stamkos doing what’s officially known as Cool Hockey Stuff.

Sean McIndoe walks us down memory lane with a look at “the art of jerseying” in fights. [Grantland]

NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan talks with Bloomberg about women’s hockey and the upcoming season. [Bloomberg]

And finally, the Summer of #SeguinSelfie continues.

Talking Points