3 early Stars trade targets after 1st-round loss to Wild

The Dallas Stars have been eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Minnesota Wild. After three consecutive Western Conference Final appearances, Dallas fired Pete DeBoer last offseason. The move to Glen Gulutzen did not get them over the hump. Now, the Stars should be active in the offseason trade market to try to fix the roster. Who should Dallas GM Jim Nill target this offseason?

When the Stars’ offseason trade plans are discussed, Jason Robertson is usually the first name mentioned. He needs a new contract, but Dallas controls his rights as a restricted free agent. With limited cap space, Dallas may be forced to trade the 40-goal scorer after one of his best seasons. But whether or not they do that, the Stars need new players, and the trade market will be the best place to find them.

Who should the Stars trade for this offseason to get over the playoff hump?

Oliver Ekman-Larsson could help fix the Stars’ defense

The Stars made two trades at this year’s deadline that confirmed what everyone already knew: the defense was a problem. They picked up Tyler Myers and Lian Bichsel, two very large defenseman who don’t move very well. That did not work, as Myers was a healthy scratch in the final two playoff games. Even though both of those players have a year left on their contracts, the Stars should try to trade for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

After a disastrous run with the Vancouver Canucks, Ekman-Larsson revived his career with the Florida Panthers before signing in Toronto. With a new braintrust in place for the Leafs, Ekman-Larsson should be on the move before next season. If they take on either Myers or Bichsel, the Leafs could get a decent draft pick from Dallas.

The Stars are up against the salary cap before making any trades this offseason. Even with the ceiling rising this summer, they may have to ask other teams to retain salary on bigger-name players. Ekman-Larsson’s $3.5 million cap hit makes him even more attractive to Dallas, as they could fit that in with some light massaging.

Simon Nemec could be available as a young option

The New Jersey Devils have also hired a new general manager this offseason, bringing in Sonny Mehta. They have 2022 second-overall pick Simon Nemec on the squad still, despite his lack of NHL productivity at 22 years old. If the Stars like what they see from Nemec, they could take a similar bet to the one they did on Nils Lundkvist years ago. As a low-cost, young option, Dallas won’t get much better than Nemec.

In 155 NHL games, Nemec has just 39 points and has not proven much in the defensive zone. Even on a struggling team like the Devils, he failed to earn a ton of ice time, playing just 19:40 per game. But if he were in a situation with Miro Heiskanen or Thomas Harley, he could learn the ropes and thrive at the highest level. It would be a risk, but one Dallas needs to take.

The Stars do not have many draft picks left as a consequence of all of their recent trading. Getting a player like Nemec for a low price could be just the move they need to continue their competitive window. It should not be hard to convince New Jersey to sell low, as Sheldon Keefe did not trust the youngster in the biggest moments last season.

Take a massive swing on Matthew Knies

Given the recent history of the Stars, Nill taking a massive swing in the trade market cannot be ruled out. They traded Logan Stankoven and two first-rounders for Mikko Rantanen last season. Why not take another hack to try to replace Robertson if he leaves? Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies would be the perfect fit as they look to start a retool this summer.

This trade would have to come after the draft, as the Stars are only able to trade one first-round selection before July 1. They could deal the 2027 first-round pick and the 2029 first-round pick to the Maple Leafs for Knies. Any players that had to go the other way for salary dumps could do so, as the Leafs won’t be pushing for top talent on the open market.

Knies just finished the first season of a six-year deal, which pays him $7.75 million per season. It is unlikely that the Stars would be able to fit both Knies and Robertson under the salary cap, so they could use the assets they get for Robertson to land Knies. It would not make sense to send Robertson to Toronto, even though his brother is on the Maple Leafs. If the Leafs really wanted a young goal scorer, they would just keep Knies.

The Stars are in a precarious position this offseason and have to nail their trades to get to the Stanley Cup Final next year.

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