This past weekend, Dallas Stars superstar Jason Robertson got to participate in his first NHL All-Star game. While many fans roll their eyes at the event, the young forward couldn’t have been more excited:
The California native was giddy over the “awesome” All-Star apparel he received, other cool swag and getting to meet players he competes against on a regular basis.
“Like I never thought I’d be hanging with the Winnipeg guys, although I skate with (Connor Hellebuyck) in the summer, and guys like (Arizona’s Clayton) Keller and chatting and getting to know (Minnesota’s Kirill) Kaprizov,” Robertson said. “These are usually rivals.”
It wasn’t just his own experience either — Robertson’s parents flew in to watch the event, and had just as much fun:
“Honestly, as fun as this was for me, I think it’s something unique for my parents,” Robertson said. “I know they’re proud. For them coming here and seeing all the talent and seeing what’s out here, it’s something they have been looking forward to since I told them I was coming. They’re really happy.”
You can read about Robertson’s entire All-Star weekend, from start to finish, from Michael Russo here.
Stars Stories
Speaking of “behind the scenes,” Mike Heika spoke with Jamie Benn’s teammates about his 1000th game celebrations:
Stars organize meaningful moments for Benn’s 1000th game https://t.co/vmRdUzp2zI via @NHLdotcom
— Mike Heika (@MikeHeika) February 8, 2023
Who doesn’t love gameday roster moves?
STUDO!
We have recalled Marián Studenič from the @TexasStars.#TexasHockey
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) February 8, 2023
ICYMI (cause I sure did), Pierre LeBrun spoke with Jim Nill about the Stars’ strategy for the upcoming trade deadline:
This could be the year to be patient as a buyer on the trade market.
The Stars will be one of those teams, writes @PierreVLeBrun.
Dallas’ approach could pay off. Here’s how, with a conversation with Stars GM Jim Nill ⤵️https://t.co/Tdkgf4Oz0N
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) February 6, 2023
Around the League
Speaking of which, there’s three things certain in life: death, taxes, and NHL GMs fighting over and trading big for some milquetoast player at the deadline.
Kris Russell. Martin Hanzal. Ben Chiarot.
It’s a brief history of decent NHL players becoming trade deadline darlings for some reason.https://t.co/ySbd6zCBBe
— Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) February 8, 2023
Dylan Cozens has had a breakout season, and the Buffalo Sabres are rewarding him with a 7x$7.1M contract extension:
🚨 SEVEN MORE YEARS OF COZEY! 🚨
Dylan Cozens has agreed to terms on a 7-year, $49.7 million extension (7.1 AAV).
Details: https://t.co/cAjGhCCGVc pic.twitter.com/7d5j7vCLLj
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) February 7, 2023
Here’s some more All-Star discussion, courtesy of Elliotte Friedman:
Fixing All-Star weekend is now an NHL priority. @FriedgeHNIC offers some ideas to improve the event in a new 32 Thoughts blog.
Presented by @GMCcanada. https://t.co/rKl3EuTohT
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 8, 2023
Finally, the NHLPA has a new executive director, coming straight in from Washington D.C.
More on the NHLPA and U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, who will become their new executive director.https://t.co/U8A3lrYch7
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) February 7, 2023