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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Mikko Over Nico

Quote of the Day: “It’s not Luka Dončić. It’s pretty close.” – Dallas Stars Head Coach Pete DeBoer

Posted on by George Delanjian
Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

While the excitement of the NHL trade deadline has come and gone, the excitement about the Dallas Stars’ acquisition of Mikko Rantanen continues to hold its luster (and hopefully will for eight more years).

Following Nico Harrison and company’s decision to trade Dallas sports icon Luka Dončić last month, followed by the collapse of his “plan” once Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving both sustained long-term injuries, the city has been reeling and in desperate need for something to grasp onto to help grieve. Jim Nill’s trade for Rantanen was seismic, especially for the Dallas fanbase.

Those who didn’t follow hockey before may now be slowly taking interest in a sport that was always an afterthought when you think of Dallas sports. Their team is star-studded and firmly atop the Western Conference standings along with the Winnipeg Jets. This is the team to watch, more so than the Mavericks.

With the Stars in the midst of a rare four-day break, Mikko Rantanen has had a few days to get settled in Dallas while also getting the chance to speak with the local media. To think Rantanen has swiftly settled in with his new teammates seems accurate, as the star forward has netted two goals and an assist through his first two games, already matching his goal output during his 13-game tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Dallas Morning News columnist Tim Cowlishaw drew up an article covering Rantanen’s media “homecoming” of sorts, but it was the remarks from Stars’ head coach Pete DeBoer that makes it hard not to get excited for what’s to come:

“He immediately becomes your leading scorer and your highest-paid player and, you know, in the prime of his career, too,” DeBoer said. “So there are some similarities [with Dončić] in that guys like that in the prime of their careers just don’t get moved very often. And they sure don’t get moved in the division, even though it was a roundabout way.”

Cowlishaw also had the chance to round up with Stars’ GM Jim Nill, who facilitated the trade and contract extension:

“Here’s one of the top players in the league who becomes available. So you’re asking how do you consummate the trade. You know you’re not the only team in the mix so you have to make a respectful offer, keep you in the game. Now, if you do that, the next step is can you sign him?

A lot of times you’re dealing with a 33- or 34-year-old free agent, someone who’s still a good player but is getting near the end. This is a guy who’s 28 in his prime. This contract is something you feel is going to age pretty well. So you’ve got peace of mind there.”

Nill then put it simply as this:

“He was too good to pass up.” 

Stars’ fans undoubtably have a lot to look forward to not just this season, but for years to come as Nill has done an excellent job locking in the team’s core to remain a perennial Cup contender.

You can read Cowlishaw’s article in its entirety here.

Stars Stuff

We got a couple watch parties coming up! I encourage any grieving Mavericks fans to attend.

Roope Hintz is on the mend but still questionable for Sunday’s tilt against the Colorado Avalanche:

Around The Central

We got a few Central Division teams hitting the ice tonight:

  • The St. Louis Blues travel to the Steel City to face off against the Penguins. The Blues need to win as many games as they can down the stretch to increase their odds of making the post-season, as they are currently on the outside looking in.
  • The New York Rangers will shave some ice with the Minnesota Wild, both firmly in the playoff race vying for positioning.
  • A rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks squad will take on the San Jose Sharks who are also going through a youth movement.

The World of Chel

Not a ton of action last night, but here is what went down:

I can’t even count to four that fast!

…I’m still counting…

Hutson eclipses 50 points. Sensational!

Finally

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