It’s time for another round of NHL rumors as the Trade Deadline approaches, and the Dallas Stars have some significant decisions to make. Currently sitting in second place in the Western Conference, the Stars, similar to last season, could benefit from some defensive reinforcements. While they may not find a move that matches the impact of Chris Tanev’s acquisition last year, there are still opportunities to enhance the team before the March 7 deadline.
In the latest episode of their podcast, “32 Thoughts,” NHL insiders Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas discussed potential options for the Stars, clarifying that their suggestions were speculative and not based on insider knowledge of the team’s actual plans. Here are the latest NHL rumors concerning the Stars.
NHL Rumors Dallas Stars May Target a Three-Time Norris Trophy Winner Rumor
Recently, the “32 Thoughts” podcast speculated about whether the Stars might pursue Erik Karlsson from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Analysis
Karlsson is a prominent defenseman who could be available ahead of the deadline. With 16 years in the NHL, playing for Ottawa, San Jose, and Pittsburgh, he’s two years removed from a season with over 100 points, and he’s under contract until 2027. He previously worked with Stars head coach Pete DeBoer in San Jose.
The 34-year-old has recorded 40 points in 60 games this season and performed well for Team Sweden in the Four Nations Face-Off.
“Karlsson played exceptionally well in the Four Nations,” Friedman pointed out. “He could really excel in Dallas, although the hefty salary cap hit might complicate things…[But] I’d be intrigued.”
His co-host also agreed that if Dallas or another contender could figure out how to make it work, it could be worthwhile.
“That’s the best version of Karlsson we’ve seen in some time because of the demands of the situation,” Bukauskas remarked. “If you put him on a playoff-caliber team, it’ll be interesting to see what he can do.”
Strengthening the Defense
Dallas is in need of a top-tier defender, but Karlsson may not be a realistic option due to his contract, which pays $ 11.5 million per season for the next three years, potentially making it difficult for the Stars, given their upcoming contracts for their emerging talents.
“I wonder if Dallas would even consider it,” Friedman added.
Local beat reporter Sean Shapiro suggested that acquiring Karlsson is unlikely. He noted that Jim Nill dismissed the idea and questioned how they would handle the $ 11.5 million cap hit for three seasons while managing raises for younger players.
Friedman also mentioned that teams might wait until the summer, when Karlsson’s cap hit changes due to a bonus, before pursuing him.
Another Costly but Unlikely Option
Friedman and Bukauskas also touched on the possibility of acquiring Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks. As a Dallas native whose father played for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, he could be an appealing option. However, with a contract that pays him $ 9.5 million annually for the next five years, he seems an unlikely fit for the Stars at the trade deadline.
“It’s going to be challenging for Dallas given their upcoming contracts in the next few years,” Friedman noted. “They would either need a retention deal or for Chicago to take on a contract Dallas wants to unload.”
Jones currently has 27 points this season and has been selected for four All-Star Games, but his recent injury history could make him a risky acquisition, particularly at his contract level.
An Underrated Potential Target
Other NHL insiders have linked Dallas to Philadelphia Flyers defender Rasmus Ristolainen. The 30-year-old has been solid this season, despite his team’s struggles, and boasts 12 years of NHL experience, though his peak performance might be behind him.
Ristolainen also carries a more manageable cap hit at $ 5.1 million per season until 2027. However, recent reports suggest he could remain with the Flyers, as the team hasn’t received much interest from other clubs.
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