The Dallas Stars in 2023-24 are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
Don’t believe it? Just take a look at the stock that the NHL’s major network partners (ESPN and Turner) have invested in the Stars.
The 13-game national broadcast schedule is indicating that the Dallas Stars have earned the respect of the national media, and shows that the club has no shortage of intriguing storylines that will draw eyeballs.
This is a departure from the dark ages, a time where the Stars rarely found themselves on national broadcasts and were far removed from any national conversations around contending for championships. In many ways, it’s a clear signal to how quickly the Stars have risen in a southern market, often mocked by Northern and East Coast hockey fans. This showcasing of Stars games is also a testament to the stories of key contributors up and down the lineup, starting with star forward Jason Robertson.
The 24 year-old winger, a product of Southern California with Filipino roots, is arguably one of the most marketable stars that the league has. Robertson checks all the boxes: Elite American goal-scorer? Check. Southern Californian product, who came up because of the growth of hockey in non-traditional markets? Check. An appeal to a new segment of hockey fans? Check. Not to mention, Robertson is a player who plays the game with a joy unrivaled by his peers, a knack for scoring “that” goal, and a hockey sense that makes his game admirable in nearly every way. The marketing opportunities for the league and national broadcasters extends past the on-ice abilities and gives everyone a true opportunity to grow the game through Robertson.
What’s more, the storylines extend well past Robertson. Joe Pavelski at 39 years old is currently chasing his first Stanley Cup. Pavelski, an Olympian, one of the great draft bargains in NHL history, and possibly the greatest net-front player of his generation, is looking for the ring to cement his Hall of Fame worthy resume. Who wouldn’t tune in to see him chase that history?
Ray Bourque, Dave Andreychuk, Joe Pavelski. When the first two players captured their long awaited championships, they created iconic moments in the process. The focus will solely be on the Stars and their quest to earn Pavelski his Cup, generating views, discussion, and content on the back of a feel good story, not only in hockey, but in sports.
The Stars also boast one of the deepest forward groups in the league, a goaltender in Jake Oettinger who is arguably the best American goaltender in hockey right now, and one of the best European defensemen of this generation in Miro Heiskanen. All of this wealth, regardless of interesting storylines, says the league is betting the Stars are not only one of the best teams in the Western Conference, but one of the top four or five teams in the entire league. This showcasing on ESPN and TNT, will provide the Stars, the fanbase, and the city a platform to grow the brand nationally, creating new fans, new discussion, and added expectations.
If the Stars are to be legitimate contenders this season, and in the years to come, this enhanced national schedule should only grow.