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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Can The Stars Keep John Klingberg?

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

In case anyone has forgotten – Professional Hockey Writers Association, I’m looking at you – the Dallas Stars have not one, but two all-world defensemen who are currently getting paid a fraction of what they’re worth on the open market.

John Klingberg will probably not get a raise at the same percentage as Miro Heiskanen, but he’s still due for more, a lot more, than his current $4.25 million AAV. How much will that be – and more importantly, will the Stars be able to afford it?

The Dallas Morning News’ Matthew DeFranks took on the question of Klingberg during his latest Stars Q&A. Here’s where his analysis has led:

The assumption is that Klingberg, long underpaid for the services he provided, will cash in on his production. But what does that contract look like? Maybe lower than you think. Since Klingberg’s contract began in 2015-16, he’s tied for eighth among NHL defensemen in points (with 251) and there are a couple of clear comparable deals for Klingberg, who will be 29 when he is an unrestricted free agent.

Torey Krug signed a seven-year contract with St. Louis that has a $6.5 million cap hit. He has 256 points in the past five seasons. He is 29 years old. He doesn’t kill penalties.

Keith Yandle signed a seven-year contract with Florida that has a $6.35 million cap hit. He has 251 points in the past five seasons. He was 29 years old when he signed with the Panthers. He doesn’t kill penalties.

DeFranks took on questions about the goalie situation, the salary cap, who could still get signed…and that new third jersey:

I love them because they are bold, colorful and unique among other NHL teams. People would immediately be able to recognize the jerseys as the Stars’ third jerseys, and Dallas finally has a black jersey back.

I hate them because they are bold, colorful and unique among other NHL teams. People would immediately be able to recognize the jerseys as the Stars’ third jerseys, and Dallas would be synonymous with neon like the Seahawks are.

Matt has more. [SportsDayDFW]

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