2021-2022 Season Projections
For all my season previews, we’ll be utilizing my 2021-2022 team and player projections. You can find much more background on these models here, along with more on assessing value of contracts here. Today, we’ll preview the Dallas Stars.
2021 Offseason
The 2021 offseason was relatively uneventful in Dallas. The Stars re-signed Miro Heiskanen to a long term deal and added Ryan Suter and Braden Holtby after they were bought out by their former teams. With last season’s core in tact, the Stars will see if they can find the form that took them to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.
2021-2022 Preview
Roster Strength
With the Stars core aging, their roster strength looks relatively weak all around. Without any real strength showing, the Stars will need every line and defense pair to pull their weight this season.
Forwards
Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz broke out offensively for the Stars last season. With the Stars core aging, Dallas would be wise to start shifting more responsibility on their young stars. While Joe Pavelski, Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn on the downhill half of their careers, they can all still contribute and will be relied upon alongside the young stars.
The Stars’ forward group didn’t change a lot this offseason, but they did find good value where they made roster moves. Blake Comeau and Michael Raffl’s deals both look like they will provide good value.
Defensemen
Most of the Stars’ defense returns from last season, with the notable addition of Ryan Suter. With the projected impact of a borderline 2nd/3rd pair defenceman, Suter can still contribute although the Stars may have overpayed slightly despite his buyout status. Miro Heiskanen signed a long term extension and the Stars will need him to develop through the next few seasons with his projected value for 21/22 down near the 25th percentile.
Goaltenders
The Stars’ goaltending is a potential weak spot in their lineup. Anton Khudobin’s impact is projected to be that of a starting goaltender. The backup position could be more problematic, where Braden Holtby looks likely to start the season as after a rough season in Vancouver.
Team Performance
The 21/22 projections suggest that the Stars struggles last season were not an aberration. With much of their core aging, they’ll struggle to stay in the playoff race this season.
2021-2022 In Season Updates
Make sure to subscribe and check back for updates to the 2021-2022 season projections throughout the season. Watch for updates and enhancements to the models, updated player projections using 2021-2022 season data, analysis of trades and injuries, and more.
