Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours, featuring the Dallas Stars’ interest in free agent William Carrier. A day after trading forward Ty Dellandrea to the San Jose Sharks, Dallas has been named as a potential destination for the free agent forward, who would reunite with head coach Pete DeBoer.
Friedman on TJMS: “One guy I kind of heard who could be on Dallas’ radar, and I think could be a great fit for them and also would push him (the now traded Ty Dellandrea) out of the lineup, is William Carrier”
-Carrier played for DeBoer in Vegas.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) June 20, 2024
NHL Rumours
Rumour: Elliote Friedman on TJMS talks about the Dallas Stars interest in William Carrier
SportsNet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman joined the Jeff Marek Show on Thursday to discuss the latest trades from around the league, including what could be next for Dallas as Marek alluded to setting up another move by the team.
In response, Friedman revealed he had heard about the Stars’ interest in Carrier, should he hit the free agent market on July 1. The two also mentioned ongoing negotiations between Dallas and pending free agents Chris Tanev and Matt Duchene and upcoming extensions for others as Dallas resets its lineup.
How Carrier Would Fit in Dallas
Carrier would play a bottom-six role for Dallas, much like he has during his time in Vegas. While he does have some better offensive abilities than most bottom-six players, his calling card has been his defense, particularly the forecheck. In seven NHL seasons, he has 134 takeaways and 109 blocked shots.
Carrier only has one season with double-digit goals and played on the fourth line with Nicolas Roy and Keegan Kolesar for Vegas last season. The 29-year-old is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when free agency begins.
The veteran would also add playoff experience as a 2023 Stanley Cup champion with four deep playoff runs in his career.
After trading Dellandrea, Dallas has 10 forwards under contract for next season. The second line is the most impacted as Joe Pavelski heads toward retirement and Duchene tries to negotiate a return. If Dallas is able to bring back Duchene, one of Jamie Benn, Wyatt Johnston, or Logan Stankoven may move up.
Many have also assumed that the trade makes the club likely to re-sign Sam Steel to anchor its fourth line. That would give Dallas Steel, Radek Faksa, Evgenii Dadonove, and potentially Carrier among its bottom-six, essentially swapping Dellandrea for the free agent signing.
At this point, Carrier is a more accomplished player than Dellandrea and improves the bottom six of the lineup. Therefore, the Stars’ interest in Carrier makes sense.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
