What a week it has been for the Dallas Stars and the fans of
the guys in Victory Green! Here are my feelings toward some of the recent
actions taken by the Stars:
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| photo by Sara Townley |
Vern Fiddler to don the Victory
Green sweater again after deciding to test free agency! I don’t know about you
guys, but I sure was glad to see that he had been re-signed. After the solid
run he had the last few months through the playoffs, it was obvious that he
wanted to be a part of a successful Dallas Stars franchise. I knew long before
then that he was happy here – witnessing his interactions with fans, seeing him
joke around with teammates, and, my personal favorite, watching him imitate the
famous Antoine Roussel shootout goal move from the Chicago game last season at
practice in Frisco to the absolute delight of the original himself, sealed the
deal for me. He’s a hard-nosed player that possesses veteran abilities without
holding his experience over the younger guys’ heads – got to respect him for that.
Vern, I’m glad you’re back!
Draft day
for the Stars was a productive one, that’s for sure. 7 defensemen, 1 forward,
along with a goaltender and I’d say that Jim Nill and the rest of the Dallas
Stars front office went out and got exactly the type of players needed to
compliment this organization whether it be through play or tradability.
And now on
to the moves that everyone’s buzzing about, the acquisitions of Jason Spezza
and Ales Hemsky (the Stars also acquired Ludvig Karlsson in the Spezza trade).
I’ll admit that after watching bits and pieces of different games involving
Ottawa in past seasons, including being in the AAC and seeing how the Stars
handled them last season, the one player that I couldn’t pry my eyes away from
was not Jason Spezza or Ales Hemsky – Erik Karlsson, you’re one impressive
defenseman. I’m not in any way knocking their talent or desire to play this
game, but in fact what I am trying to say is, I think this move may be just as
beneficial for these guys, Spezza especially, as it will be for the Stars. Jim
Nill knew what he wanted in a center, had a player decided upon in his head,
and he managed to make it all happen. From what I have read, both guys are good
teammates and I’m hoping that carries over from Ottawa to Dallas.
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| photo by Sara Townley |
Although I
believe those trades were good decisions, the Stars didn't make these without paying a price. For many fans, it was a sad day to see that Alex Chiasson will
no longer be a part of the Dallas squad. He was the headliner in the trade
involving 2 other players and a pick in next year’s draft. Chiasson had some
great games here and is one of a very small group of guys who can say he has
the experience of playing on the same line with the dominating duo of Tyler
Seguin and Jamie Benn. I believe that coach Lindy Ruff gave him ample time to
get a good run started here in Dallas, and despite his efforts, I just don’t
think he found a real groove to fit into. He’s a young player who will continue
to grow and improve; perhaps Ottawa is the best place for him to do so.
Jim Nill may be considered a genius
by fans for many reasons, but overall he knows where he wants the Dallas Stars
to be and he’s set on getting them there. We appreciate it Mr. Nill, and it
looks like they’re well on the way to being at the top where they belong. Now
if you could kindly get Antoine, Cody, and Brenden re-signed, we would love you
even more!
Just one
more thing - I can’t conclude this article without mentioning former, (forever
to us) Dallas Star, Stephane Robidas. Congrats, Robi! Sure, I was interested in
all things Stars during free agency frenzy, but the one name I waited to see
followed by the words “signed a deal with,” was Stephane. Although I will
always miss having you in Stars gear, I’m glad you went to a team that I
believe will appreciate you for not only your play, but your heart and
character, as well. They’re a lucky bunch to have you and you’ve got tons of
Stars fans who will continue to wish you well for the rest of your career, no
matter what colors you put on to hit the ice.
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Sara Townley covers the Dallas Stars for the Texas Sports Review Follow her on Twitter @TexSR_StarsTalk & @TexSR_Sara
