Approximately one month separates us from hockey season. The Dallas Stars have high hopes for a promising season this year. Many expectations are apparent for the Stars this year. Players need to perform well. Some fantasy hockey picks of Stars players are likely to net you lots of points this season. The Stars are in a tight division with an expected race against two premium teams, making central division matchups important. There are also critical players entering contract years.
Top Performers
Top lines in the NHL have the expectation of performing well throughout the season. Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, and Jason Robertson make up the top line on the Stars. These three players will light the lamp several times over the season. Expectations are that Rantanen will at least record one point per game this season. Other top performers include the blue line with Miro Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, and Esa Lindell. These players saw lots of ice time last season minus the Heiskanen injury. Jake Oettinger is looking to continue his elite presence in the net. Many of these players are also on their respective Olympic team roster.
Division Race
The Central Division is a hotly contested race every year. This year is not likely to change. The Stars saw the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets in the playoffs last season, eliminating both. They’ll see each other plenty of times, including the first two games of the season. The Jets won the race last season alongside the Presidents’ Trophy. The Stars look to compete for regular season titles.
Fantasy Hockey
Fantasy hockey is still a fun time despite not being as popular like football or baseball. Some Stars players can heavily affect your team. Some sleeper picks include Mikko Rantanen appearing as rank #10. He might be worth a pick if your draft position is lower than fifth. Stars faithful may want to select Jake Oettinger in their second round selection if they want a solid goaltender whose preseason rank is #17. Jason Robertson or Roope Hintz may find their worth for third and fifth round selections with their #33 and #56 ranks. For last picks, Casey DeSmith is a solid backup as your third goalie pick with his #317 rank.
Contract Years
Jason Robertson is a restricted free agent after this year. He will join Thomas Harley with players approaching restricted free agency. Jim Nill is in a tight money situation, even with the salary cap expanding significantly next season. Any extensions from these two players require money movement. Rumors swirled in the offseason about a Robertson trade. These rumors could restart again as the Stars do not have the cap space to offer him the competitive contract he will receive. One outcome is the offer sheet direction and the Stars taking the draft picks for either one of them.
Stars hockey is finally approaching as preseason action begins later this month. Many storylines will follow the Stars this season. Nill’s hands are full with a likely high-decibel trade deadline and offseason.
Photo Credit: Dallas Stars X
Tags: dallas stars Jake Oettinger Jason Robertson Mikko Rantanen Miro Heiskanen nhl Roope Hintz Thomas Harley
Categorized:Stars