Finally some news

The Stars have extended offers to a number of RFAs including James Neal, Nick Grossman, Matt Niskanen…and Fabian Brunnstrom?  Yeah, I don’t get it either about those last two.

I suppose that Niskers and Bunny could be signed to two-way contracts and get that AHL seasoning that they were originally deemed too good for.  They’d have to go through waivers, but it’s not like we’d ever need them.  I want both of them to have a season with the Baby Stars and then come back to the big leagues.  That’s the ideal situation but it’s not likely.

Nope, two words:  Trade.  Bait.  Maybe we could finally get that number-one defenseman we need!  You know, Tomas Kaberle’s available.

I just can’t see why anyone would want Brunnstrom though.  He’s a bust…as  a Dallas Star.  However, he might thrive in a different style of game for another team.  Think Ville Leino being a bust for the Red Wings, before ultimately tearing it up with the Flyers. 

 I think the thing with Fabian is a pride issue more than anything.  Nobody wants to admit that their big free agent signing was a bust.  The Stars battled then Red Wings and won Brunnstrom, so I don’t think they’re going to give up on him after working so hard to get him.

I don’t know…that’s all I’ve got.

ESPN’s Take on Some Stars

Burnside and LeBrun launched some Top-10 lists concerning rookies, sophomores, and comeback players.  The rest of the list is here but all I care about are the Stars references.

First up is Fabian Brunnstrom in 10 Rookies/Sophomores to Watch This Season.

Fabian Brunnstrom, F, Dallas Stars
The Stars’ much-heralded rookie had an up-and-down first NHL campaign after being courted by seemingly half the league’s 30 teams last offseason. He played in only 55 games and had 29 points in 2008-09. His continued evolution will be a key to the Stars’ return to the postseason.

Then, there’s B-Rad and Marty Turco in 10 Players With Something to Prove This Season.

Brad Richards, F, Dallas Stars
The pride of Prince Edward Island redefined the term “bad luck” last season, when, in his first game back from a broken right wrist, he broke his left hand. Come on, is that even possible? Then, the 29-year-old star forward, a member of Canada’s 2004 World Cup of Hockey championship team and the 2006 Olympic team, was left off the Canadian Olympic camp invite list this past summer. You want motivation? Watch out for Richards this season in Dallas.

I thought the “bad luck” reference was kind of funny in a ridiculous sort of way. 😛

Marty Turco, G, Dallas Stars
In the last year of a deal that pays him $5.4 million this season, the 34-year-old Stars netminder is coming off the worst statistical season of his NHL career. But he worked extremely hard all summer and impressed in camp and the preseason. Whether the Stars have any real chance this season rides on his shoulders.

Very true.  But at the same time, very worrisome.

Come on Bunny, B-Rad, and Turco!  Let’s redeem ourselves!  Go Stars! 😀