Missing out on Rasmus Andersson might have stung, but the Dallas Stars aren’t letting it slow down their pursuit of another impactful addition before the trade deadline.
Currently third in the Central Division, Dallas is looking to fortify its roster for a serious playoff push. While Vegas grabbed the headlines with Andersson, the Stars appear to have a potentially bigger advantage elsewhere, especially in the chase for a proven Stanley Cup winner.
Dallas Stars Eye $29.4M Veteran as Key Upgrade
Dallas was reportedly among the teams chasing former Calgary Flames defenseman Andersson, but when the deal went through with Vegas, the franchise quickly shifted attention towards another target.
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, Calgary still has moves to make. “The Flames aren’t expected to be done, as they have more irons in the fire,” Pagnotta said.
Names like Blake Coleman, Nazem Kadri, and Ryan Lomberg are reportedly drawing interest, with Coleman standing out as a top option for the Stars. Pagnotta added, “Dallas Stars still interested in Coleman, who has another year left on his contract. While it may still be too early to assess Dallas GM Jim Nill’s desire to land the Plano native, the Stars are on his preferred trade list.”
Coleman, in the fifth year of a six-year, $29.4 million deal, carries a modified no-trade clause, giving him some control over his destination. That flexibility could work in Dallas’s favor, making negotiations smoother than they would be for other contenders.
A two-time Stanley Cup champion with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021, Coleman brings playoff experience, defensive reliability, and lineup versatility, qualities that perfectly fit the Stars’ blueprint for a deep postseason run.
Artemi Panarin Chatter Also on the Up
Coleman isn’t the only high-profile player linked to Dallas. Pagnotta also mentioned Rangers star Artemi Panarin as a potential target.
Panarin’s $11.64 million cap hit is significant, but retained salary could change the landscape, potentially making him affordable for teams like Dallas if New York covers part of the contract.
Pagnotta noted, “Speculation over the last few days has already linked the Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings and Stars to Panarin, but none of those clubs get a sniff without the player saying so.”
If the Rangers do agree to retain salary, they could demand a substantial return, possibly including a first-round pick, a top prospect, and additional assets.
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With the postseason approaching, every move Dallas makes could shape their playoff destiny. The Stars return to the ice on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins, but all eyes will remain on what GM Jim Nill does next.
