2014-2015 Overall Record: 41-31-10 (92 Points) 10th in Western Conference

*** Did Not Make NHL Playoffs***

Dallas Stars: 2014-2015 Team Leaders

Notable Offseason Losses:

G Jhonas Enroth (New Team: Los Angeles Kings)

D Cameron Gaunce (New Team: Florida Panthers)

D Trevor Daley (New Team: Chicago Blackhawks)

F Ryan Garbutt (New Team: Chicago Blackhawks)

Notable Offseason Acquisitions:

G Antti Niemi (Former Team: San Jose Sharks)

F Patrick Sharp (Former Team: Chicago Blackhawks)

D Stephen Johns (Former Team: Chicago Blackhawks)

D Johnny Oduya (Former Team: Chicago Blackhawks)

Main Team Stats Breakdown:

GFA (Goals For Average): 3.10 (NHL Ranking: 2nd)

GAA (Goals Against Average): 3.10 (NHL Ranking: 27th)

SV% (Save Percentage): .895 (NHL Ranking: 29th)

The Dallas Stars had a very impressive offensive output last season. The defense and goaltending on the other hand, were among the worst in the league. While averaging just over 3 goals a game last season, they also allowed the very same. Defense was an obvious key this offseason (and goaltending), though they had to give up one of their only solid defenseman, Trevor Daley. The better option would have been to keep Daley, but Dallas knew it was worth the risk to acquire Patrick Sharp and the well-known prospect Johns. Dallas also followed up the move by gaining the services of Johnny Oduya, which looks to be an upgrade on Daley. Regardless of the upgrade, Dallas still has a lot of work to do on defense and though there’s hope there will be a huge improvement, they’ll need to prove it in play next year.

The other aspect that wrecked the Stars season last year falls on the shoulders of Kari Lehtonen. His numbers were horrible and he was not the goaltender fans were used to seeing. Dallas better hope they made the right move in signing Niemi (who’s on the decline toward the end of his career). If both netminders play the way they did last season, the Stars will be shaking their heads, as they have a plethora of money (10.4 million cap hit) in net alone (15% of their salary). They’re taking a huge gamble, hoping the two can feed off of one another and rebound as a duo. For at least next season, I don’t project them climbing too high up, nor do I see them making the Playoffs next year until their defense and goaltending prove otherwise.

2015-2016 Season Projection: 6th in the Central

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