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Dallas Stars Daily Links: What to Expect from the Stars in 2016-17

Posted on by Melissa Flandreau

Good news, you guys. According to The Hockey News’ Matt Larkin, the Stars could be on the precipice of “an era of what might be sustained dominance.”

The Stars also came within one victory of the Western Conference final without Tyler Seguin, who missed all but one playoff game with an Achilles injury. So they have a lot going for them, especially on offense. Their best players remain in their 20s. Franchise cornerstones Jamie Benn and John Klingberg are signed long term. This team has as high a ceiling as any in the NHL. That’s why we picked Dallas to reach the Stanley Cup final in our 2016-17 THN Yearbook.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. Although Larkin points out that the Stars could see a lot of success in 2016-17, he also mentions the team’s weaknesses, namely goaltending and defense.

There’s no guarantee the young defensemen are ready to be impact NHLers, and that’s why this year’s team has a lower floor than last year’s, which had a stronger veteran presence. But if even one or two from the prospect group proves himself worthy, look out. It’s also worth noting the Stars were far from elite defensively last year anyway. Their total possession numbers look strong, but that’s because their excellent offensive output hikes up the overall stats. They finished 19th in 5-on-5 Corsi Against per 60, so it’s not like the existing veteran group was excelling as a shutdown unit.

For more on the Stars’ ceiling and floor for next year, head to the link. [The Hockey News]

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Get pumped up for the World Cup—and get yourself a new jersey.

Mike Heika held his weekly Stars chat on Monday. See what he has to say about Dallas’ alternate captains (think Patrick Sharp and Jason Spezza) and more. [SportsDayDFW]

Ales Hemsky chats with ESPN about the upcoming World Cup. [ESPN]

Olympian Penny Oleksiak gives a shout out to her brother Jamie Oleksiak, naming him as one of her role models. (She also revealed that her dog is named Jagr.)

What’s the weirdest thing about the American Airlines Center? Sean McIndoe brings you one bizarre fact about everyone NHL arena. [Sportsnet]

Congratulations, everyone: We’re one year closer to having a Modano back in a Stars jersey.

Get to know Islanders captain John Tavares. [Sportsnet]

And look, another Q&A! This time, Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson answers a few questions. [PuckDaddy]

The Senators are planning to retire Daniel Alfredsson’s No. 11.

The Ducks have signed center Antoine Vermette to a 2-year, $3.5 million deal. [ESPN]

Jimmy Vesey is the talk of the town right now, but here are a few other college free agents you should be keeping an eye on. [The Hockey News]

And finally, Antoine Roussel made one fan’s day.

Talking Points