NHL free agency: 5 teams that need to sign Artemi Panarin
By Alex Hoegler
4. Dallas Stars
After missing the playoffs in consecutive years, the Dallas Stars had a wonderful turn around under first-year head coach Jim Montgomery. Anchored by Vezina Norris nominee Ben Bishop and a strong defensive system, the Stars were one goal away from reaching the Western Conference Final before losing a heartbreaking Game 7 in double overtime to the St. Louis Blues.
The Stars managed to get that far despite a down year from franchise star and captain, Jamie Benn, who had just 27 goals and 53 points. But Tyler Seguin (33 goals and 80 points) and Alexander Radulov (29 goals and 72 points) did more than enough to carry the offense.
Now, if the Stars could just get one more piece to complement the “big three” off Benn, Seguin, and Radulov. This team ranked third-last in goals for on the season (210), and adding one more big-time scorer would change the dynamic of this Dallas team.
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Dallas general manager Jim Nill has about $16.44 million in cap space to work with, and with most of his core players signed long-term, now’s the opportunity for him to maximize that cap space and add a weapon of Panarin’s caliber.
Adding Panarin would allow him to move up to the top line that consists of Seguin and Radulov. Benn would move down to line two, where he could help No. 2 center Radek Faksa take his game to another level.
With a world-class goalie, three studs on offense and a stacked blue line, the Stars have most pieces in place to compete for a Stanley Cup. They just need one more big-time scorer, and adding Panarin could be the final move that helps this team reach championship glory.