Dallas Stars Daily Links: Stars Re-Sign Blake Comeau
Jim Nill lauds Comeau’s “determination and physical presence” as the expansion draft looms. Plus, more Stanley Cup action, more NHL Awards, and just more, period.
Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill – who has been known, occasionally, to swing for the fences – is better known around these parts for playing it safe. And it’s a safe bet that forward Blake Comeau’s new one-year, $1 million contract is a security signing.
The Stars’ press room announced the Comeau deal this morning, with this quote from the main guy:
“We’re excited to be able to bring Blake back for another season,” said Nill. “Blake’s approach to the game, coupled with his determination and physical presence on the ice, has been a tremendous asset for us over the past three seasons. His vast experience has allowed him to become a strong leader in the dressing room and we’re thrilled he’ll be returning next season.”
There are questions, of course: Is Nill planning to protect Joe Pavelski and therefore qualifying Comeau for the Seattle Kraken expansion draft next month? (Taylor discusses this signing as a draft strategy here.)
Could this be a potential sign-and-trade move? And does it mean the Magic Mustache is setting the stage (or at least keeping his powder dry) for a bigger deal, like Blake Coleman?
Or does it simply mean that Nill likes his #veterangrit and likes what Comeau brings to the dressing room?
Let’s discuss it. You can find the rest of the press release at the Stars’ homepage. [Dallas Stars]
Stars Stuff
Matthew DeFranks is leaning toward the expansion-draft scenario himself.
The options the Stars had to meet expansion requirements:
— Matthew DeFranks (@MDeFranks) June 21, 2021
1. Expose Pavelski, Hintz, Faksa or Gurianov.
2. Re-sign Dickinson, Dowling, Cogliano or Comeau.
3. Trade for a forward that played enough games in the last two seasons.
With Comeau and Kero signed, requirements are met.
And, as always, he brings receipts.
As a 35+ player on a one-year contract, Blake Comeau was eligible for performance bonuses attached to his contract, but there are no bonuses on his deal with the Stars.
— Matthew DeFranks (@MDeFranks) June 21, 2021
Around The Leagues
Stanley Cup Roundup
The Vegas Golden Knights evened up the West with a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens – and won in overtime against the Habs, which is remarkable in its own way.
Robin Lehner arrived at Bell Centre early on Sunday, read some tweets, and went to work.
— x-Knights On Ice (@knightsonice) June 21, 2021
It was his best performance with the Golden Knights in a game they needed.#VegasBorn https://t.co/rVRyTbq3Kb
The New York Islanders refuse to lay down and die against the almighty Tampa Bay Lightning. They evened the series on Saturday night with a big win of their own.
Game 4 final: Isles hang on to tie series after Pulock’s unforgettable, last-second save https://t.co/AhnlxxK83J pic.twitter.com/dEXkpVe1Q9
— Lighthouse Hockey (@LHHockey) June 20, 2021
The Florida Panthers couldn’t hold in their delight with Aleksander Barkov’s history-making Selke Trophy win.
That's Selke winner Aleksander Barkov to you!!!@barkovsasha95 is the first Panther to take home the award 👏
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) June 18, 2021
📝 » https://t.co/Hsla7tbg4X pic.twitter.com/kW9fvet5CU
Jaccob Slavin has won the 2021 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, and the Carolina Hurricanes celebrated by sharing this video of his only penalty of the season.
Can't believe they gave the Lady Byng to the bad boy of hockey pic.twitter.com/MrosdZHeZ1
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) June 20, 2021
Don’t underestimate Jamaica when it decides to make inroads into a winter sport. Will their hockey team be the next to qualify for the Olympics?
For the latest Color of Hockey blog, @WDouglasNHL caught up with former NHL forward Chris Stewart about his new job as co-coach and hockey ambassador for the Jamaica national team.https://t.co/47k7hR04L1
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) June 21, 2021
Finally
Many happy returns to everyone who celebrated Fathers’ Day yesterday. The dads of the NHL send greetings, especially if you have a hockey daughter.
“I want her to have the same opportunity as I had growing up.”
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) June 20, 2021
This #FathersDay, NHLPA girl dads @AnzeKopitar, @GabeLandeskog92, @Joshmanson42 and Alex Pietrangelo on @PWHPA role models and the importance of equal opportunity and visibility. pic.twitter.com/Jt58I8IQOk