The Dallas Stars’ concentration is on free agents.
Originally published by Josh Cybulski on Pro Hockey Rumors; last updated on June 24, 24
With only one month to go, clubs are anticipating the opening of free agency. In addition to several clubs having important restricted free agents that need to resign, a number of impact players will be available on the open market in July. An outline of the Stars’ free-agent status rounds off our tour around the NHL.
Important restricted free agents
D Thomas Harley Harley’s massive season-ending breakthrough couldn’t have come at a better moment for the 22-year-old, who may be in the running for a sizable summer salary. Prior to the current season, Harley had only appeared in 40 NHL games. However, during the course of 79 games, he averaged over 21 minutes per game, scoring 15 goals and dishing out 32 assists. The 6-3, 205-pound native of Syracuse, New York, keeps things simple with the puck and is agile for his stature, but he also has an attacking pulse. In Dallas, he has primarily played even-strength minutes, but if given the chance, he probably has more to contribute on special teams. With an AAV between $5.5M and $6M, Harley may be eligible for a long-term extension; yet, given the Stars’ financial constraints, he might have to accept a bridging deal.
D Nils Lundkvist: Lundkvist is a different mobile two-way defenceman with a basic offensive style. Lundkvist is effective in the offensive zone, keeping plays alive and sending pucks to the net, but he won’t light up the scoreboard. In addition, he plays a very safe style and is a reliable passer who performs his job both with and without the ball. Given the Stars’ cap shortage, Lundkvist is expected to sign a bridging deal this summer and might be promoted next season, depending on Chris Tanev’s situation.
F Sam Steel: When Steel was selected in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft, it was anticipated that he would play offensive hockey. He only managed to score 28 points in 65 games during the previous season, but he has never been able to find much success in scoring. Though he has spent the last several seasons bouncing between three different teams, at just 26 years old, he has established himself as a bottom-six forward in the NHL who can play quickly and with enthusiasm. Steel inked a one-year, $850K contract last summer. He ought to be able to quadruple his pay this summer by landing a multi-year contract.
Additional RFAs: G Matt Murray and F Oskar Back
Important unconstrained players
F Matt Duchene After returning to form in 2023–24, Duchene gave Dallas all they had hoped for when they signed him to a $3 million, one-year contract last summer. Even now, Duchene is still a threat in tight spaces, off the rush, and on power plays. In 80 games the previous season, he recorded 25 goals and 40 assists, and he has stated that he would like to rejoin the Stars. Reports indicate that both parties are interested, and it is probable that a multi-year agreement in the $4 million to $5 million per season area would be reached.
D Jani Hakanpaa: As he got closer to unrestricted free agency, Hakanpaa had the unlucky season of his career. The 32-year-old Finnish defenseman has been a reliable member of the Stars’ blueline since the 2021–22 campaign, but he only appeared in 64 games during the regular season and was injured during the playoffs. He was a reliable third-pair defenseman and a great penalty taker when healthy, using his bulk to block shots and obstruct passing lanes. Although Hakanpaa isn’t a particularly excellent skater or puck handler, he may be a decent fit for a club needing a reliable, stay-at-home defenseman.
D Chris Tanev: Since joining the Stars on February 28, Tanev has blended in perfectly. He was one of the NHL’s greatest shot blocks and played mostly at even strength and on the penalty kill. Tanev leads by example and isn’t afraid to get rough. He can still skate and is still a viable choice to take on the best players on the other side. Players who play similar styles to Tanev usually don’t age well, so any club that contracts him to a multi-year contract may have to deal with the backend of his contract being an albatross. Despite this, Tanev will still command a high salary each season for a few years on his next contract.
Additional UFAs: D Fredrik Karlstrom, C. Gavin Bayreuther, F. Nicholas Caamano, and RW Joe Pavelski, C Scott Reedy, D Jerad Rosburg, D Derrick Pouliot, D Alex Petrovic, and RW Craig Smith, G. Wedgewood Scott
