Joe Pavelski
Number: 16
Age: 38
Birthplace: Plover, Wisconsin
Height/Weight: 5-foot-11, 195 pounds
2021-22 stats: 27 goals, 54 assists and 81 points in 82 games
Contract: One year remaining with a cap hit of $5.5 million and performance bonuses that could push the total to $6 million.
Performance evaluation
Pavelski had the best statistical year of his career last season. Think about that. In his 16th campaign with more than 1,100 games under his belt, Pavelski set a career best with 81 points in 82 games. That was also the best points per game in his career, topping seasons when he was 29 and 31 with San Jose.
Pavelski led all Stars forwards in average time on ice at 18:28, was second in SAT (shot attempts differential at even strength) at plus-156 and was fifth among forwards in hits at 101. He was a catalyst for the top line with Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson and helped them perform far and above the level of their teammates. He also led the Stars in playoff scoring with six points (three goals, three assists) and again led the forwards in time on ice in the postseason.
Video: CGY@DAL, Gm3: Pavelski nets rebound for go-ahead PPG
Expectations for 2022-23
Signing Pavelski as a free agent in 2019 might be one of the best moves in Jim Nill’s career. The veteran forward not only drove offense on a team that ranked 21st in scoring (2.84 goals per game) in 2021-22, he has become one of its best leaders in the dressing room, helping young players and making the transition for friends. Ryan Suter much easier.
His importance could be even greater this season as he and new coach Pete DeBoer have a great history. They spent four and a half seasons together in San Jose, where Pavelski was DeBoer’s captain.
Video: DAL@CGY, Gm2: Pavelski deflects a puck into the cage
While he’s 38, Pavelski is one of the most important players on the team. Could time catch up? It’ll happen eventually. But if anyone seems to be able to defy the odds, it’s Pavelski, who’s a fanatic about training and diet. He also has yet to win the Stanley Cup, and you can be sure that he believes that’s a possibility this season. Having someone with that kind of drive can be contagious on a squad where not many experts are going to look at Dallas as a serious contender to win it all.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.
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