Opinion: Dallas Stars’ NHL Trade Deadline Report Card

The Dallas Stars made just one trade for Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. It was only one trade, but I thought it was a great move on the Stars’ part.

Here’s my Opinion: Dallas Stars’ NHL Trade Deadline Report Card op-ed.

Did the Stars Make Enough Moves?
Well, that’s a subjective question. The Stars made just one move, but I thought that was good enough. They went out and got Chris Tanev, a solid veteran defenseman in my opinion, to improve their defense. But, from what I’ve heard, some Stars fans are still mad that Jani Hakanpää is still on the Stars’ roster. I get what they mean, but I think that they should be grateful for what GM Jim Nill did to get a guy like Tanev.

Did the Stars Overpay?
No, the Stars didn’t overpay, at least I don’t think they did. They got Tanev for 25% of his original contract (four years and $18 million) with the Flames and with a $1.125 million cap hit and then the New Jersey Devils’ unsigned draft choice goalie Cole Brady. That was a steal in my eyes.

Did the Stars Sell Enough/Too Much?
I think the Stars sold enough. Jim Nill hasn’t always satisfied Stars fans with good if not great, trades, but this time, he showed the public that he likes his current roster but tried to get a consistent, reliable defenseman at a good price, even though most, if not all, sellers know about that, and that’s why there were higher prices at the NHL Trade Deadline.

Did the Stars Get Robbed?
No, I don’t think that the Stars were robbed. I think that they won the NHL Trade Deadline because Tanev will help them address a specific need in their inconsistent, lackluster defense.

Does This Improve the Stars’ Playoff Success or Stanley Cup Odds?
Yes, I think the Tanev trade will improve the Stars’ Stanley Cup odds. I know it’s just one trade, but the Stars’ defensive corps was exposed by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Finals last year. The Stars can’t advance to the Stanley Cup Final this year with the same blue lines. They had to make a change because I don’t think the organization wants to witness another close series that would leave the fans wondering, “What if?” They can’t afford to suffer another heartbreaking playoff loss that could’ve been prevented.

What Is Left Unanswered That the Stars Need to Address in the Offseason?
That’s a good question. The Stars are in a highly competitive Central Division. That being said, I think that they need to address their power play and penalty-kill units, like some players, such as Thomas Harley, Radek Faksa, and Sam Steel, could get more ice time, chances, and opportunities to showcase their talent and/or prove themselves.

ITR 35: Round One – Inside The Rink

Join Chris and Conrad as they catch you up on round one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs as well as all of the firings across the NHL.

1. ITR 35: Round One 52:27
2. ITR 34: End Of The Road 41:46
3. ITR 33: The Gr8 One 44:20
4. ITR 32: The Final Countdown 45:55
5. ITR 31: Let Them Fight 01:03:52