Free-agent focus for the Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley.
Free agency is now just a month away and teams are looking ahead to when it opens. There will be several impact players set to hit the open market in July while many teams have key restricted free agents to re-sign as well. We continue our look around the NHL with an overview of the free-agent situation for the Stars.
Key restricted free agents
D Thomas Harley – Harley broke out in a big way last season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the 22-year-old as he could be in line for a big payday this summer. Harley had played just 40 NHL games before last season, but dressed in 79 games last year averaging over 21 minutes a game and posting 15 goals and 32 assists. The Syracuse, New York native is mobile for his size (6-3, 205) and keeps things simple with the puck but does have an offensive pulse. He has played mostly even-strength minutes in Dallas, and likely has more to offer on special teams should he be given an opportunity. Harley could be in line for a long-term extension with an AAV in the range of $5.5M to $6M, but given the Stars’ cap crunch, he might need to settle for a bridge deal.
D Nils Lundkvist – Lundkvist is another two-way defenseman that is mobile and plays a simple offensive game. Lundkvist won’t light up the scoresheet, but is good in the offensive zone keeping plays alive and getting pucks to the net. He is also a solid passer and plays a relatively safe style, taking care of his duties with and without the puck. Depending on the status of Chris Tanev, Lundkvist could see a promotion next season and will likely receive a bridge deal this summer given the Stars’ cap crunch.
F Sam Steel – Steel was expected to be an offensive player in the NHL when he was drafted in the first round in 2016. However, he’s never been able to find much scoring success, topping out at 28 points in 65 games last season. He’s bounced around to three organizations in the past few seasons but is still just 26 years old and has carved out an NHL role as a bottom-six forward who can provide energy and plays a fast game. Steel signed last summer for one year and $850K. This summer he should be able to find a multi-year deal and double his salary.
Other RFAs: F Oskar Back, G Matt Murray
Key unrestricted free agents
F Matt Duchene – Duchene bounced back to form in 2023-24 and delivered everything that Dallas was hoping for when they signed him to a one-year $3M deal last summer. Duchene can still skate, and remains a threat on the power play, off the rush and in tight areas. He posted 25 goals and 40 assists in 80 games last year and has expressed an interest in returning to the Stars. The interest is mutual according to reports and it seems very likely that both sides can reach a multi-year deal in the range of $4M-$5M per season.
D Jani Hakanpaa – Hakanpaa had the unfortunate luck of having a career-worst season as he approached unrestricted free agency. The 32-year-old Finnish defenseman has been a solid contributor on the Stars’ blueline since the 2021-22 season but dressed in just 64 games in the regular season and wasn’t available in the playoffs due to injury. When he was healthy, he remained a solid third-pair defenseman and an excellent penalty killer as his big body can disrupt passing lanes and block shots. Hakanpaa isn’t a great skater and isn’t particularly good with the puck, but for a team looking for a safe, stay-at-home defenseman, he could be a good option.
D Chris Tanev – Tanev fit in seamlessly with the Stars after he came over to the team on February 28. He played predominantly at even strength and on the penalty kill and remained one of the best shot blockers in the NHL. Tanev can still skate and remains a good option to take on the other team’s best players, he leads by example and isn’t afraid to get physical. Any team that signs Tanev to a multi-year deal may have to contend with the backend of his contract becoming an albatross as players that play the same style as Tanev typically don’t age that well. That being said, Tanev will still fetch a few years on his next deal, likely north of $3M per season.
Other UFAs: D Gavin Bayreuther, F Nicholas Caamano, C Fredrik Karlstrom, RW Joe Pavelski, D Alex Petrovic, D Derrick Pouliot, C Scott Reedy, D Jerad Rosburg, RW Craig Smith, G Scott Wedgewood
Projected cap space
Dallas has been a great team for a long time, but this summer might be the one in which it takes a step back. The Stars have just over $16M available under the salary cap and will have multiple holes to fill. If they are to sign a few of their pending free agents, that will leave them with very little space to plug holes in the lineup. However, the Stars are fortunate to have players like Mavrik Bourque in the AHL who are ready to step into an NHL lineup. This summer will be crucial for Stars general manager Jim Hill to maximize the window in which Dallas can continue to be a Stanley Cup contender.
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