The 2022-23 NHL season starts Oct. 7. With training camps opening soon, NHL.com is taking a look at the three keys, the inside scoop on roster questions, and the projected lineup for each of the 32 teams. Today, the Dallas Stars.
Coach: Peter DeBoer (first season)
Last season: 46-30-6, fourth in Central Division; lost to the Calgary Flames in the Western Conference First Round
3 KEYS
1. DeBoer’s experience
Hired as coach June 21 to replace Rick Bowness, who resigned May 20, DeBoer comes to a team that made the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season and should be in contention for a spot this season. The 54-year-old has led his teams to the postseason seven times in his past 10 full NHL seasons, including reaching the Stanley Cup Final twice (2012, New Jersey Devils; 2016, San Jose Sharks).
How quickly he adjusts to the Stars and how they adjust to his coaching style will be an important factor in their success this season.
2. Moving on from Klingberg
John Klingberg signed a one-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks on July 29 after eight seasons with the Stars, leaving them with a hole on defense. Klingberg was fifth on the Stars last season in points (47) and first among their defensemen. He was a staple on the power play (20 points last season) and was third in ice time per game (22:13).
It could mean more of an opportunity for Joel Hanley and Thomas Harleywho were in and out of the lineup last season.
3. Benn, Seguin production
Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin have been an integral part of the Stars offense for years. However, Benn had 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists) in 82 games last season, his lowest point total since 2018-19 (53), which was also the last time he scored at least 20 goals (27). Seguin, who was limited to three games in 2020-21, had 49 points (24 goals, 25 assists) in 81 games last season. He scored at least 33 goals in five of six seasons from 2013-19 and had at least 72 points in each of those seasons but has 101 points (43 goals, 58 assists) over the past three seasons.
If they are unable to see an increase in production, the Stars will need more offense from their forward group outside of their top line. Joe Pavelski, Jason Robertson and Roope Hintzwho were their top three scorers last season.
ROSTER RUNDOWN
Making the cut
If Robertson, a restricted free agent, doesn’t sign before the season, Ty Dellandrea or Riley Tufte could be in the mix to make the opening night roster. Dellandrea, 22, played one game with the Stars last season and 26 with them in 2020-21. Tufte, 24, had one goal in 10 games with the Stars last season and 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 54 games with Texas of the American Hockey League.
Defensemen Miro Heiskanen, Ryan Suter, Esa Lindell and Jani Hakanpaa are locks, leaving two spots, likely for Hanley, Harley or Colin Miller. Hanley, 31, played 44 games for the Stars last season and Harley, 21, played 34. Miller, 29, played 38 games for the Buffalo Sabers last season and signed a two-year contract with Dallas on July 13.
Most intriguing addition
Mason Marchment had NHL career highs in goals (18), assists (29) and points (47) in 54 games with the Florida Panthers last season before signing a four-year contract with the Stars on July 13. If the 27-year-old forward stays healthy, he should be in for an even bigger season, perhaps topping 20 goals and 50 points. He should play in the top six forward group and could be linemates with Benn and Seguin, and should also see some time on the power play.
Biggest potential surprise
Harley had four points in his rookie season with the Stars and 11 points (all assists) in 27 games with Texas. It was a step down from when he had 25 points (eight goals, 17 assists) in 38 AHL games in 2020-21, but he should have a full-time NHL role this season on the third defense pair. If he stays healthy, Harley should average more than 13:41 of ice time he had last season and be an impact.
Ready to break through
Joel Kiviranta burst onto the scene when he scored a hat trick, including the series-winning goal in overtime for the Stars against the Colorado Avalanche in the 2020 Stanley Cup Second Round. However, the 26-year-old forward has struggled since. He has 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 82 games over the past two seasons. Although he’s likely to start in the bottom six, an injury or lineup shakeup could move him up where he could get a chance to thrive with playmakers.
Fantasy sleeper
Seguin, C/RW (fantasy average draft position: 164.6) — He has declined in point production since scoring 80 in 2018-19 (50 in 2019-20; 49 last season) but ranked second on the Stars in shots on goal (218) behind Robertson (220) last season. The addition of Marchment gives Seguin renewed fantasy appeal in late rounds as a potential bounce-back candidate. — Anna Dua
PROJECTED LINEUP
Jason Robertson — Roope Hintz — Joe Pavelski
Mason Marchment — Jamie Benn — Tyler Seguin
Marian Studenic — Radek Faksa — Luke Glendening
Joel Kiviranta — Jacob Peterson — Denis Gurianov
Esa Lindell — Miro Heiskanen
Ryan Suter — Jani Hakanpaa
Thomas Harley — Colin Miller
Jake Oettinger
Scott Wedgewood
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