Yesterday was full of news on the goalie front. Elliotte Friedman tweeted that the Dallas Stars are potentially looking to bring on former Philadelphia Flyers goaltending coach Jeff Reese, which Mike Heika then touched on. Meanwhile, the team placed Jussi Rynnas on unconditional waivers, presumably so he can sign in the KHL.
Mark Stepneski spoke with GM Jim Nill about what Rynnas’ departure means and where everything goes from here—especially for the Texas Stars.
“For Jack Campbell, he’s going to be the No. 1 goaltender in Texas. He needs to grab that,” Nill said.
…
“He needs to stay healthy, and he needs to play. He needs to develop,” Nill said. “He needs to grab the No. 1 spot down in Texas.”
Nill went on to talk about the fate of Philippe Desrosiers, who took home this year’s CHL’s Goaltender of the Year award.
As with Campbell, the Stars want Desrosiers playing games and developing. Where Desrosiers will play those games is still up in the air.
“You don’t know until they get into pro. Now his career starts. Let’s see,” Nill said. “He’s going to come to development camp and training camp, so we’ll see where he fits in. He’s either AHL or ECHL; it will depend on the games he is playing. He’s a young kid, and he has to play. It will depend on his play.”
There’s also a few points on the backup situation in Dallas, including Nill’s mention that Jhonas Enroth is “still in the mix” to fill the position. But, for now, we’re still stuck in wait-and-see mode. [Stars]
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Happy Friday, everyone! Congrats on making it through the week.
There’s no playoff hockey tonight (gentle reminder to get used to this feeling), but Game 5 is tomorrow, and it’s gonna be a good one. Just how good? Well, James Mirtle thinks this Final is shaping up to be one of the best in recent history. [The Globe and Mail]
If nothing else, it’s certainly been an evenly matched series:
A breakdown of the #StanleyCup Final through four games: pic.twitter.com/jtgbqRQxCl
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 11, 2015
In case you missed the announcement or DBD post yesterday, the Texas Stars are getting a complete rebrand. Stephen Meserve spoke with president Rick McLaughlin, who offered a little more insight into the process. [100 Degree Hockey]
Here’s a look at the new design, complete with fun music.
Over at The Hockey Writers, Jordan Dix takes a look at Cody Eakin’s development in Dallas and his future with the club. [THW]
If you’re a Coyotes fans, the situation in Arizona is what one might refer to as “not great.” Sports Illustrated’s Allan Muir walks us through what could happen now that the Glendale City Council voted to void its agreement with the team. [SI]
If you’re, say, a hockey fan living in Portland, Arizona’s iffy future in Glendale might be a good thing. [The Oregonian]
The Penguins won’t be bringing back Christian Ehrhoff or Paul Martin (who was mentioned in Mike Heika’s article about FA defensemen the Stars could pursue), per Marc Antoine Godin of Le Presse. [Pro Hockey Talk]
Penguins have decided to go for a full youth movement on defense, won’t bring back Martin and Ehrhoff. They’d rather invest on wingers.
— Marc Antoine Godin (@MAGodin) June 11, 2015
In other contract news, the Sabres are contemplating a buyout for Cody Hodgson. [Puck Daddy]
As you guys may know, there’s another Big Sports Thing currently going on, namely the NBA Finals. You may not know that being a basketball fan is cheaper than being a hockey fan. [CNN Money]
Sporting News’ Cory Collins takes a look at the Blackhawks‘ logo and why it’s just as problematic as the Washington Redskins’. [Sporting News]
For those still following the Great Playoff Beard Controversy of 2015, Esquire offered its take on Mark Lazarus’ comments. [Esquire]
And finally, the documentary Red Army is now available on DVD/Blu-ray/iTunes/etc, and The Hockey News has an interview with Gabe Polsky, who wrote, directed, and produced the film (which I highly recommend). [The Hockey News]
Here’s the trailer, in case you haven’t seen it.