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The Dallas Stars are in need of right-handed depth on the blueline.
The Dallas Stars spent the summer shedding salary. Dallas needed to clear cap space to sign the likes of Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn to contract extensions. As a result, Mason Marchment and Matt Dumba have been dealt in separate trades.
The Stars are not rebuilding by any means, though. In fact, this is one of the best teams in the NHL. Dallas has made three consecutive Western Conference Finals. While they have lost all three, they have shown to be a consistent juggernaut in the West. It’s hard to imagine this team taking a massive step back.
Dallas has elected to keep its band together and make another run at it. This could certainly work. Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston are two of the best young players in the league. Duchene has proven to still be a high-level top-six talent. And Miro Heiskanen is one of the best defensemen in the world.
However, they have some glaring roster issues that could hold the team back. At this point, it will take a rather bold move to fix some of those flaws. But there is time for the Stars to strike. With this in mind, Heavy.com is proposing a trade between Dallas and the Philadelphia Flyers.
Dallas Stars acquire:Â Rasmus Ristolainen (50% salary retained)
Philadelphia Flyers acquire:Â Ilya Lyubushkin, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick
Rasmus Ristolainen Could Be In-Demand This Season
Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesPhiladelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen could be in-demand once again at the NHL Trade Deadline.
Ristolainen has had quite the journey in the NHL. The veteran defenseman joined the Flyers in 2021 through a trade that was universally panned by fans. After struggling in 2021-22, though, Ristolainen has found his stride as a top-four defenseman.
The veteran rearguard will never be a No. 1 option on the back end. But what Ristolainen does provide is more than enough for a second-pairing role. He is a very physical player who does well to shutdown chances the opposing offense could generate in his defensive zone.
The Flyers and Stars are operating in a seller’s market. As a result, the price of any trade is going to be steep. Right-handed defensemen are especially coveted in the NHL. Combine this with Philadelphia’s need to retain salary, and the cost makes sense, even if it may be tough for Dallas to swallow.
Ristolainen Could Help Stars Contend For Stanley Cup
Ristolainen has turned his career around, and he has earned the chance to contend. His services could allow Dallas to make that next step in the postseason. He has the ability to provide the improved defensive cover that the Stars have lacked at times over the years.
The Stars do have a new head coach, which will certainly impact how they play. However, the strengths and weaknesses of this team remain the same. The Stars need better play in front of goal if they want to win the Stanley Cup.
Dallas is willing to be aggressive on the trade market if they need to be. They acquired a star foward in Mikko Rantanen last season. Now, they need a rugged veteran defenseman to complete their defense this time around.
Tristin McKinstry Tristin has over 10 years experience writing at various blogs. He has spent the last three years gaining professional experience in the sports media world. He currently works with ClutchPoints and Pro Football & Sports Network alongside Heavy Sports. More about Tristin McKinstry
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