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Dallas Stars Daily Links: John Klingberg And The Contract Year

What should we expect from Dallas’ blueline unicorn in the last season of his current deal? Plus, remembering Jimmy Hayes, Hilary Knight makes history (again), and more.

The waiting is the hardest part. Dallas Stars fans are jonesing not just for NHL action, but for news about whether John Klingberg will re-sign or move on.

It’s a knotty problem. Klingberg is poised to enter a free-agent market in which elite NHL defenders are making stupid money. At the same time, he will be 30 when his next deal begins, which could make maximum term a very big ask from any team. What can we expect from a true superstar as he plays for the biggest payoff of his career?

Stars senior staff writer Mike Heika has shared some stats, and thoughts, in a new post. First things first: Expect Klinger to stay on the first power-play unit, where he has been a dangerous weapon for years:

Klingberg continues to lead the first power-play unit and typically gets 15 seconds more per game in power-play time than [Miro] Heiskanen. He also had 17 power-play points to 11 for Heiskanen last season, so his role with the man advantage is pretty secure. With the return to health of Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov, the Stars could have one of the best power plays in the league, so Klingberg should benefit from that.

One thing that could definitely change is Klingberg’s defense partner, thanks to the presence of Ryan Suter in the team’s presumptive top four:

With the addition of Suter, the Stars are pondering a shuffle on defense, and that could mean Klingberg would move away from his typical partner [Esa] Lindell and possibly beside Suter. That could change the dynamic of the game for Klingberg and could be another thing that helps him produce more points.

There’s more at Mike’s place. [Dallas Stars]

Stars Stuff

Live in the DFW area and interested in working close to all the Stars action? The Hangar is seeking job-seekers.

Around The Leagues

If you’ve followed the Edmonton Oilers for four decades and this is the last straw...well. Thoughts and prayers?

The 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship doesn’t wrap up until August 31, but already history is being made.

Sad, sad news: Jimmy Hayes, who won an NCAA championship with Boston College and played for seven years in the NHL, died suddenly on August 23. He was 31. [CNN]

Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park

Two birthdays in two days? Best wishes for Joel L’Esperance and Thomas Harley...and keep the cake coming.

Finally

Yes, that is Teddy Roosevelt in a Stars sweater, and I’m just gonna leave this here. Enjoy.

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