In Mike Heika’s latest Stars chat, he tackled questions on everything from the Stars‘ best pick this draft—it might be Rhett Gardner—to the next steps for Valeri Nichushkin.
Here’s what Heika had to say about John Klingberg‘s partner on defense.
Question: Can you see Patrik Nemeth being capable of playing top-pairing minutes alongside Klingberg?
Heika: I can, but the coaches obviously didn’t agree last season. I think they will first give that opportunity to a player gained in free agency or trade. They will then give that opportunity to Esa Lindell if he performs well in the World Cup of Hockey. And they will then let Nemeth have a go at it.
Heika also made his predictions on what moves we might be seeing from the Stars soon.
Question: Now that the draft is done with, what do you think the Stars’ first move in free agency is?
Heika: I could see them going after Darren Helm or Brian Campbell. Lindy Ruff coached Campbell. Jim Nill has a long relationship with Helm. They would fit what the Stars think they need right now.
The answers to the rest of your Stars questions are at the link. [SportsDayDFW]
—
Don’t miss the last episode of Stars Roundtable.
All the details you need to know about the Stars’ 2016 Development Camp are at the link. [SportsDayDFW]
The Stars took a page of out Detroit’s draft handbook, says Sean Shapiro. [Today’s Slapshot]
The Oilers are among the teams interested in Jason Demers (they even took him on a tour of Rogers Place).
UFA blue-liner Jason Demers and UFA winger Milan Lucic both scheduled to be in Edmonton today as Oilers sell them both on their market/team
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 28, 2016
Here’s what Demers’ agent had to say about his future.
“Since Saturday [the opening of the UFA speaking window], we’ve had contact from teams, we’ve got action,” added Sauve. “He should be in decent demand with [Alex] Goligoski and [Keith] Yandle signing. Jason is a young, right-handed defenseman, and there’s good demand for that.”
From Andrew Ladd to David Backes, the top 10 free agents in the Central Division. [NHL]
Take a peek at this summer’s top 30 UFAs. [The Hockey News]
Canucks GM Jim Benning found himself in $50,000 worth of hot water yesterday.
The NHL has fined the Vancouver Canucks for By-Law 15 violation. pic.twitter.com/HnOTRItgIr
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 28, 2016
Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk is prepared to leave St. Louis. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
Sure, everyone’s a little caught up with Steven Stamkos at the moment, but Kyle Okposo shouldn’t be overlooked. [Puck Daddy]
Over at Stanley Cup of Chowder, a look at how analytics—and fans’ access to that data—have changed free agency. [SCoC]
Dale Weise, who finished the 2015-16 season with the Blackhawks, is a hot commodity.
Character is always wanted/needed. Still early and at least 10 teams have expressed interest in Dale Weise. @daleweise22
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 28, 2016
Are Joe Thornton and Marian Hossa headed to the Hall of Fame? Sean McIndoe debates which current players could be HOF bound. [Sportsnet]
And on the subject of the Hall of Fame, here’s who could make up the class of 2017. [TSN]
The Hockey Is For Everyone program is helping spread the game to lower-income communities. [Sports Illustrated]
And finally, see what Jamie Benn‘s experience at this year’s NHL Awards was like.