It’s mailbag time! Another good set of questions this time around. Let’s get to them.
@DefendingBigD what moves do you see stars doing before trade deadline?
— TylerSeguinProblems (@SeguinProblems) January 21, 2015
Depending on the nature of Erik Cole’s injury, you could see a scenario where the Stars test the market for players like Erik Cole and Shawn Horcoff. Both are players you’d want on your team for any supposed playoff run and postseason appearance, yet there could be a return that would make moving the pending UFAs to a “contending team” — although the Stars might be eyeing Cole for a contract extension for next season.
On the flip side, expect the Stars to be on the lookout for any veteran defensive help or even a change at backup goaltender.
@DefendingBigD what do you think is the future of the stars lines once everyone is back from injuries
— Nick Lannis Roberts (@supersmalls7) January 21, 2015
Let’s work this out — and this may upset a few that want “the kids” to get the attention:
Benn – Seguin – Nichushkin
Cole – Spezza – Hemsky
Roussel – Eakin – Garbutt
Horcoff – Fiddler – Eaves/Sceviour
Moen
Goligoski – Klingberg
Benn – Demers
Daley – Oleksiak
@DefendingBigD why does the PP want to make me cry?
— Naveed S (@Navman2099) January 21, 2015
Check back tomorrow and we’ll try and help you out there.
@DefendingBigD looking way too far ahead, do the Stars go defenseman or forward in the first round this year?
— Zach Walther (@ZWal93) January 20, 2015
I wanted a top-notch foward last year and they went defenseman. Perhaps if I hope even harder for a top forward this season it might happen.
@DefendingBigD people have been talking about Seguin’s “ceiling” Where do you guys think his ceiling is?
— Dylan Nadwodny (@dnadders) January 20, 2015
I don’t know how much more higher of a ceiling than “leading league in goals and points” you can get, to be honest. Perhaps Conn Smyth winner?
It’s interesting how we have a 22-year old center who is leading the NHL in scoring, and finished 4th in the NHL in scoring last season, and we’re nitpicking his game apart and railing him for any perceived defensive efficiencies and shortcomings. “Sure, he might be one of only five players the past ten years to finish with more than 50 goals, but his backchecking is sometimes just a bit too slow for my liking.”
The team success is what matters but let’s be clear — Seguin is perhaps the biggest reason the Stars were able to keep their head above water, at least somewhat, the first few months of the season.
@DefendingBigD Why hasnt Schlemko played much? Thought he was there to be a vet presence & give us a chance to send back some rooks to AHL?
— Sylvain LeBrun (@slebrun91) January 20, 2015
Schlemko was brought in to be the 7th defenseman and that’ exactly what has happened. It’s why when Daley was hurt, Jokipakka was recalled and now takes his spot on the roster — the addition of Schlemko was meant to allow the rookies to play almost every night, whether that is in Cedar Park or in the NHL. The Stars want them to get playing time and as it was, at least one of them was a healthy scratch most nights.
Now, Schlemko is taking that spot. That good news is that the newest Stars player has at least looked somewhat decent in his limited playing time.