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Dallas Stars Daily Links: New Faces New Places

Posted on by Harlan Bowling
Feb 4, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) looks on against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period of a hockey game at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images
Credit: Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images

Looking past the horizon to the Four Nations Face-Off.

I’d like to give a personal welcome to all the new Dallas Stars fans that have arrived from the Mavs. We have snacks, and, more importantly, a GM who loves us. With that on the brain, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about the moves the Stars made to acquire Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci, along with just what else they might have in mind for the rest of the season. Hey, at least they’re not at risk of trading a generational talent…right? RIGHT?

The nearly always spot on Robert Tiffin shared this week what he thinks of the deals thus far:

Both players are on expiring deals, making them effectively rentals. Both players are also north of 30. But Sean Shapiro reported that Nill would be interested in re-signing both players, though that’s obviously a conversation that can wait until summer. 

Here’s what he had to say about Granlund:

Granlund’s reputation is sterling. He was a great mentor for a lot of the younger players in San Jose, with some being surprised the Sharks didn’t try to re-sign him. Granlund will also be one of the alternate captains for Team Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off next week, and the Stars’ history of success with Finnish players speaks for itself. 

And somewhat overshadowed in the deal was Ceci, who’s arrived to help shore up a bit of depth on an ailing blue line:

With Dumba losing the trust of the coaching staff this year and Lundkvist losing his season to surgery, Dallas needed help on the right side, fast.  Ceci is that. Ceci also brings some size to the team, weighing in at somewhere around 210 pounds. For a team that is generally on the smaller side, particularly in the grind of the playoffs, that bulk is not nothing. Ceci can kill penalties and play big minutes, as evidenced by his Dallas debut on Sunday, when he led the team in ice time at 5-on-5.

I’m satisfied with what the Stars done so far…but I still think there’s more to do. What that’ll be is still a mystery. Read more analysis on Tiffin’s piece at D Magazine.

More Dallas Stars Stuff

Potential good news on the defensive front…

Love this from Matt Duchene. More and more one of us!

Elsewhere in the Central

It’s gameday for the boys in Victory Green! But before we get there, let’s see how the rest of the division faired last night.

  • Utah dropped Columbus in overtime last night, getting back on track after snapping their losing streak. [RECAP]
  • The Wild also redeemed themselves (if only slightly) against the Hurricanes after getting blanked twice in a row over the last few days, winning 2-1. [RECAP]
  • The Blues lost another heartbreaker in the last few seconds against the Florida Panthers. [RECAP]
  • The Avalanche made pretty easy work of Calgary in the middle of a Canadian tour, with new face Martin Necas getting on the scoresheet in a big way. [RECAP]

Around the NHL

I don’t know how this angle and shot are even possible. (Also the Red Wings have won 7 straight!)

Pretty cool reference!

Greetings from Scenic Cedar Park and Beautiful Boise!

Time to get back at it!

And a new face in town for the Steelheads. Welcome!

Finally

I’m still going to take every opportunity to give kudos to those who pioneer in women’s sports:

It’s worth repeating….

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