Wednesday Links: Forward Thinking

Saad Yousuf discusses how the Stars’ forward lineup might shakeout this year. Plus, the hole left by John Klingberg, shocking news out of Michigan, and more.

Never say never, but it looks like the Dallas Stars have made all of their offseason moves, save for re-signing Jason Robertson and Jake Oettinger to new deals. Which means it’s now time for every fan’s favorite pastime: mocking lineups.

In the Top 6, new head coach Pete DeBoer will likely keep the top trio of Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Joe Pavelski. Throw Tyler Seguin into the mix and there’s likely two spots open for the taking:

Marchment was added to be a middle-six forward with top-six potential so he could slot in on the second line. Gurianov’s talent, in addition to having a blank slate with a new coaching staff, could result in him being on the second line as well. Benn has fallen from top-six guarantee but it’s hard to see the Stars’ captain instantly gracing the fourth line, even if he could end up there at some point. Third-line left winger is a reasonable expectation for him.

As for the Bottom 6, there will likely be two roster spots open for the taking. There’s a good chance they go to some of the Stars’ young talent, but knowing general manager Jim Nill, don’t expect them to be too young:

The Stars have shown to be reluctant to turn to younger players who are still early in their development unless they absolutely have to, something that has largely been a product of the front office approach, not always that of the coaching staff… which is why I have a hard time seeing [Wyatt] Johnston bucking that trend. Dellandrea appears to be that mix of being young and talented but also having paid his dues on the development path.

You can read more from Saad Yousuf here.

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Stars Stories

ICYMI, we have jersey numbers for the Stars’ free agency acquisitions:

It may not be for us, but Robert Tiffin is writing about the Stars again:

Given their lack of high-end draft picks, the Stars’ prospect pool looks fairly strong all things considered:

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Around the League

Michigan reached the Frozen Four this past season, but now they coaching staff is under fire for… well, a lot of things:

The Calgary Flames have a new AHL team:

It’s wishful thinking, but could we see some old NHL team jerseys as part of the new Reverse Retros?

Finally, here’s a look inside the U.S. and Canada’s training camps for the upcoming World Juniors: