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Dallas Stars Daily Links: What Alex Goligoski’s Departure Means Going Forward

Posted on by Melissa Flandreau

In case you missed the big news yesterday, the Stars traded the negotiating rights to Alex Goligoski to the Coyotes in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. (Here’s hoping it’s a Jamie Benn– or John Klingberg–type pick.) So what does that mean for the Stars heading into next season? A lot of change, says Mike Heika.

Bottom line, three of the team’s six playoff defensemen are not expected back.

Now, that can be a good thing. The new kids are bigger and stronger, and their lower salaries should allow the Stars to be in consideration for any big name defenseman who might come up in trade.

Mix in four UFAs among the forwards (Vernon Fiddler, Colton Sceviour, Patrick Eaves, Travis Moen) and the roster is definitely turning over. Goligoski and Fiddler served as alternate captains last season, so even the leadership group is changing.

Mark Stepneski also spoke with general manager Jim Nill about the move.

There’s more on Goligoski and what the Stars’ roster could look like next season at the link. [SporstDayDFW]

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Without Alex Goligoski, who gets to be John Klingberg‘s D partner? Sean Shapiro says Patrik Nemeth is just the guy for the job. [Today’s Slapshot]

I hope everyone had a very happy Mascot Day yesterday!

The Las Vegas expansion draft could pose a problem for the Stars, Ducks, Blue Jackets, Jets, and Lightning. [Washington Post]

John Chayka, the Coyotes’ new GM, had this to say about Alex Goligoski.

TSN’s Scott Cullen takes a crack at guessing what the Stars’ offseason plan could look like. He projects the 2016-17 roster will include Jason Chimera and Jeff Zatkoff. [TSN]

In Damien Cox’s mock draft, here’s who the Stars are taking .

25. DALLAS STARS
Alex DeBrincat, RW, Erie (OHL), 5-foot-7, 165 pounds: Stars love to score, and DeBrincat has enjoyed back-to-back 51-goal seasons. Size hasn’t held this young man back yet.

You can see the rest of the picks at the link. [Sportsnet]

Humungous big news, y’all. Ilya Bryzgalov is eyeing a return to the NHL. [The Hockey News]

The Hurricanes signed goalie Cam Ward to a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $3.3 million. [Canes Country]

Dustin Brown is out, and Anze Kopitar is in as the Kings’ captain. You know what they say about the game of thrones…

Sean McIndoe hands out some year end superlatives, including the best trade (hope you’re enjoying that Cup, Phil) and the saddest country (sorry, Canada). [The Guardian]

Also from DGB, the storylines that we’ve seen before and are about to see again. Get ready for some deja vu, basically. [Sportsnet]

The Canucks announced a new ECHL affiliate yesterday.

Randy Carlyle’s return to Anaheim is being greeted with skepticism—and for good reason. [TSN]

The Flyers are buying out forward R.J. Umberger. [Broad Street Hockey]

And finally, don’t forget to tune in tonight at 8 p.m. for the final episode of the Quest for the Stanley Cup. (I think we all know how this one’s going to end.)

Talking Points