As the NHL’s 2024 off-season progresses, THN.com continues to assess the Dallas Stars. Last week, we reviewed the updates to their defensive lineup, and now we’ll focus on their forwards. (Financial details are sourced from Puck Pedia.)
RETURNING STARS FORWARDS: Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Logan Stankoven, Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, Mason Marchment, Matt Duchene, Evgenii Dadonov, Wyatt Johnston, Sam Steel
DEPARTING STARS FORWARDS: Joe Pavelski, Craig Smith, Radek Faksa, Ty Dellandrea
NEW STARS FORWARDS: Mavrik Bourque, Colin Blackwell
OVERVIEW: The Stars concentrated on strengthening their defense this summer by signing veterans Matt Dumba, Ilya Lyubushkin, and Brendan Smith, which limited their salary cap flexibility for forward additions. Consequently, GM Jim Nill is banking on internal improvements to bolster the forward lineup. With Pavelski’s retirement and Smith’s move to Chicago, along with trades of Faksa and Dellandrea to St. Louis and San Jose, respectively, the Stars are relying on veteran Matt Duchene, who signed a one-year contract for $3 million after scoring 25 goals and 65 points last season.
In addition, Blackwell signed a one-year, $775,000 contract to reinforce the fourth line. The 31-year-old forward contributed eight goals and 12 points in 44 games with Chicago last season. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Bourque, who excelled with the Texas Stars in the AHL, including being named the league’s top scorer for the 2023-24 season, has been promoted to the NHL team.
Overall, the Stars’ offensive strength will largely depend on Benn, Seguin, Hintz, Robertson, and Duchene, with younger players Stankoven and Johnston expected to increase their offensive output. Dallas boasts seven returning forwards who each netted at least 21 goals last season, giving them considerable scoring depth. While they will miss Pavelski, the team’s future looks promising, thanks to effective drafting and development.
The Stars still have about $6.24 million in cap space. Even with a new contract for RFA defenseman Thomas Harley potentially consuming a significant portion of this space, Dallas has room to add an experienced forward. With their current roster, the Stars are positioned as one of the top teams in the league and strong contenders for the Stanley Cup. They’ve come close in recent years, but this season could be the one where they secure their second championship.
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