The Dallas Stars are working through their plan for their new-look defence pairings entering the 2024-25 season.
There are three new free-agent additions joining the fold and still other young players who vied for permanent spots on the NHL roster during the preseason. Figuring out the overall makeup of the new group has been a challenge. And some good players may end up on the outside looking in when all is said and done.
However, the Stars were more than willing to see how things unfolded on the blueline throughout the preseason.
A Look at the New Dallas Stars Defence Pairings
Preseason Approach
The Stars used the preseason to experiment with different defence pairings and get a better feel for each defenceman’s overall game. Some, like Miro Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, and Esa Lindell, were already known quantities. Still, finding the right partners for them is crucial going into the season.
Each new player brings different strengths to the table. Ilya Lyubushkin brings a defence-first approach. Mathew Dumba and Brendan Smith bring a veteran presence that helps push the pace of play on the offensive end but also adds more physicality to a group that needs it.
Stars fans are especially familiar with Dumba regarding that aspect of the game, and he has already displayed it on the ice with his new team.
Dallas Stars Defence Pairing Experimentation
Experimentation among the Dallas Stars‘ defence pairings was vital during the preseason to figure out who works best together. It also gave younger players a chance to learn and prove themselves and the coaches the ability to find the right buttons to push and right combinations to use in different in-game scenarios and situations.
One pairing in particular that caught people’s attention was Heiskanen and Dumba.
“Obviously, Miro’s got world-class feet, but Matty’s got good feet and a good stick,” assistant coach Misha Donskov told the media earlier in the preseason. “He’s aggressive and competitive. [They’re] Experienced guys, so we’ll have to see how that pair does.”
Dumba and Heiskanen could make a solid pairing. Although Dumba has regressed in recent seasons, they have a combined career plus-minus of +25, and Dumba’s game could allow Heiskanen to further showcase his complete skillset.
Some other pairings of note that the Stars used in the preseason were Lindell and Nils Lundkvist and Harley and Ilya Lyubushkin.
What Remains
The Dallas Stars have 10 defencemen remaining on their roster. Only six or seven will still be there when the Stars take on the Nashville Predators in their season opener on Oct. 10.
While three players return from last season’s defence, three more signed contracts in the off-season that seem to indicate their spots on the team are just about guaranteed. That leaves four guys fighting for the final spot.
Alexander Petrovic brings the most NHL experience with 264 games played in nine seasons. He drew attention during the playoffs last season as he was recalled from the AHL to play in his first NHL games since 2019. He played well enough to become a regular in the lineup late in the postseason, but does that necessarily earn him a spot on the team this season?
Lundkvist has been with the Stars for two seasons, playing 119 games yet not completely carving out a role. The team did not give him a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent (RFA) during the offseason but still brought him back on a one-year unrestricted deal. The optics around that situation suggest he needs to prove himself at the NHL level as the completion increases.
Other Options
Other options for the final defenceman spot include Lian Bichsel and Kyle Copabianco. The latter has spent much of his career in the AHL, and it may make sense for him to play there again in 2024. Bichsel has an extremely high ceiling and has already shown great skill and potential. Still, the argument can be made that going down to the AHL could allow him more time to adjust to the size and speed of North American hockey rinks, especially since he is just 20 years old.
Main photo by:Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
