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Ott Watch Isn't Over -- Just Delayed Temporarily |
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One of the more intriguing subplots to the 2012 NHL Trade Deadline was the internal debate within the Dallas Stars organization over whether the club should trade or hold onto Steve Ott. The sheer number of teams that wanted to acquire one of the NHL's prime agitators -- and more underrated clutch performers -- drove the offering prices close to the level where Dallas was tempted to pull the trigger.
Ultimately, of course, the Stars decided to keep Ott, as well as impending unrestricted free agents Sheldon Souray and Adam Burish and captain Brenden Morrow. The reason, of course, is that Dallas is currently in position to make the playoffs. The team did not want to subtract locker room leaders and key players when it has a chance to reach the postseason now.
New Stars owner Tom Gagliardi is trying to restore fan interest in the team sooner rather than later, and a spot in the postseason (with its corresponding revenues) would help along the process. Some have forgotten that Dallas was once the NHL's shining example of how hockey in the South could achieve a substantial loyal fan base but has since been supplanted by Nashville. The personal financial woes of ex-owner Tom Hicks dragged down the team and its fan base with it -- not vice versa.
Plain and simple, Ott is a player whose value is not reflected in his modest stats. He has toned down his on-ice antics to some degree, but still gets under other teams' skin like few others in the game. He doesn't score many goals, but the ones he scores are often clutch. He hits. He kills penalties. He can take (and win) faceoffs, as he memorably bragged about on HBO's 24/7. He's also well-liked in his own locker room and by his coaches.
The consensus I'm hearing right now is that the 29-year-old Ott, who has two more seasons to run on a four-year contract that pays $2.95 million on the salary cap, will be dealt if the off-season if the Stars miss the playoffs.
However, I would not be surprised if it's the opposite that occurs. If Dallas makes the playoffs and Ott plays well (whether or not the underdog team can pull off an upset in the first round), the interest level in his services may then push the price tag to a level where Joe Nieuwendyk can't possibly say no come late June.
Either which way, NHL teams are not done pursuing a trade for Ott -- it is just delayed by a few months. Whether or not the Stars made the right decision to stand pat in February will play out in the weeks to come, but he's going to remain a desired commodity no matter what happens.
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