Jamie Benn has been the face of the Dallas Stars franchise for several years. For the vast majority of that time, he’s worn it well. But as the captain looks at 30, will he need to step back – just a little – in order to step up?
The Dallas Morning News’ Matthew DeFranks is still doing weekly chats during the offseason, and he tackled that question and more during the most recent edition:
[Benn] probably isn’t going to win another Art Ross trophy, and the days of 30 goals and 50 assists are likely gone. I wouldn’t be surprised to see his ice time decreased to keep him more fresh (he already stopped killing penalties last season), and with less ice time comes less production, though the Stars could get a better Benn for a shorter period of time. We’ll see how it shakes out.
I think [he] will be plenty motivated this season. He’s coming off the worst season of his career (which still resulted in 27 goals), with the realization that the Stars are going for the Stanley Cup, as evidenced by the signing of Joe Pavelski. Motivation shouldn’t be an issue. But we’ll see how that relates to production. In reality, he’s a 30-year-old power forward with 745 games played. He declined last season and it’s unfortunate for a player that carries a $9.5 million cap hit. But with added scorers around him, perhaps Benn isn’t asked to do as much as he used to and stays fresher for longer.
There’s more behind the paywall – including Matthew’s takes on division of responsibilities between Ben Bishop and Anton Khudobin, and whether Stephen Johns is really ready to play again. [SportsDayDFW]
Stars Stuff
The NHL Network likes the Stars’ chances this year. The Stars like that they like them.
“They have so many of the ingredients that you need to be a good regular season team, but also a team that goes deep in the playoffs.”
We like the way you think, @NHLNetwork. 😏 #GoStars pic.twitter.com/4b4oePRzOD
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) July 22, 2019
Around The League(s)
Now that the Edmonton Oilers have managed to trade Milan Lucic, it’s time to find a new Most Untradeable – from Justin Abdelkader to (wait for it!) Nick Schmaltz.
Oilers GM Ken Holland managed to ship out Milan Lucic and his “untradeable” deal, so now who takes his place atop the list of most difficult contracts to move?https://t.co/dyFviyG7jE
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) July 23, 2019
Meanwhile, there are still valuable vets available in free agency. Tim Wharnsby picks his most intriguing, from Jake Gardiner to (wait for it!) Patrick Marleau.
With training camps fast approaching these valued vets are worth watching https://t.co/JEKWEVvbD9
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) July 23, 2019
John Tavares is still mad about the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-round elimination. New York Islanders fans have a number of memes for that.
John Tavares admits his pride remains bruised after the Maple Leafs were eliminated in seven games by the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference First Round, writes @Zeisberger. “I’m still bitter,” Tavares said Friday at the Marner All-Star Invitational https://t.co/lySw4gLPrM
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) July 22, 2019
Are the Calgary Flames finally on track to move out of the Saddledome? The team will pay half the construction cost of a new arena under the new agreement.
A four-year battle to land Calgary a new arena/event centre appears to be less than a week away from concluding with a common-sense resolution.
And it could wind up being the heartbeat of the city, writes @EricFrancis.https://t.co/a0r8oNrvmy
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 23, 2019
Mike Gillis helped manage the Vancouver Canucks to the Stanley Cup Final. Now the former GM looks at how the sport and the league can evolve.
Mike Gillis, enlightened: Former GM on organizations, Luongo, leadership. https://t.co/UaezH8Kl6z
(Via @MatiszJohn) pic.twitter.com/81dq4dTWt2
— theScore (@theScore) July 21, 2019
Finally
Marty Turco and Ed Belfour both made this bracket. Wouldn’t it be something if they both made it to the final?
Which goalie mask is your favorite? Who will advance out of Round 1?
🚨Voting begins today on our Instagram story🚨 pic.twitter.com/UCNjsDnidE
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) July 22, 2019