2013 Season Preview – Dallas Stars

Last Season – The Dallas Stars finished 10th in the West, six points out of the playoffs, with a record of 42-35-5.

Saying Goodbye – Sheldon Souray, Mike Ribeiro, Steve Ott, Adam Pardy, Radek Dvorak, Brad Lukowich, Adam Burish, Andrew Raycroft

Saying Hello – Jaromir Jagr, Ray Whitney, Derek Roy, Cody Eakin

Ready to Step In – Jamie Oleksiak is in his first year of pro hockey, but has the size, skill and opportunity to step in and earn a spot on the blue line from the get go this season.

Kari Lehtonen will have to be great (and healthy) for the Stars to make the playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Look For A Bounce-back Season From – Brendan Morrow had his season limited by injuries, but even when he was healthy his 26 points in 57 games wasn’t enough for a player of his stature.

Hardware Hopefuls –

Upside – The shortened season will benefit the likes of the aging Whitney and Jagr as well as Morrow, whose style of play makes playing an 82 games season pretty tough.

Downside – Lots of turnover, especially among those counted on for offense,  means that there could be some growing pains as the club searches for chemistry.  Replacing arguably 4 of your top 6 forwards makes it a tricky situation.

2013 Prognosis – With Kari Lehtonen able to steal some games, the Stars should be in the mix.  Jamie Benn still needs to be resigned and he is an important piece of the Stars attack.  If the Stars get out of the starting blocks quickly with chemistry, they could be a playoff team.  If the proper mix cannot be found, it could be a disaster.