Bill Meltzer: Star Gazing: Expectations for Chiasson, Dillon, Oleksiak and Roussel

First!

interesting that you didn't give a shout out to Morrow as he was the big aquisition last spring

I believe Dillon is a legitimate top 4 defenseman who is potentially 1st pairing. I thought that he and Goligoski was a nice pairing.

I believe Chiasson will go into camp as the 2nd line RW. Playing with Whitney certainly gives him scoring opportunities driving the net.

Roussel should be a fixture on the 4th line providing some scoring and certainly a very edgy game. He also possesses good skating ability which is a positive for future development.

I believe Oleksiak should start the season in the AHL on the top pairing to continue building his confidence level, but should see time in the NHL later in the year.

interesting that you didn't give a shout out to Morrow as he was the big aquisition last spring
- ChrisMS

Morrow was included in the trade to Boston for Seguin.

Lindy Ruff has shown that he likes to spread the minutes out. The young players on this team will be given every opportunity to show the new coach and GM who they are.

Morrow was included in the trade to Boston for Seguin.
- jerryb

i knew that too... thanks

Well written

where does Eakins fit this year with Seguin, Peverly, Horcoff? Will Horcoff be a 5.5M 4C?

Well written

where does Eakins fit this year with Seguin, Peverly, Horcoff? Will Horcoff be a 5.5M 4C?
- TheNugeIsHuge

I think Eakins needs to further develop his offensive instincts before he can be considered a candidate for 2C so I think he will start the year as 3C.

Here is my 2 cents worth for line combinations to start the year.

Benn/Seguin/Peverly - Peverly can provide an experienced 2 way presence as Seguin and Benn adjust to new positions and develop offensive chemistry. I think that both players will have big years playing at their natural positions again. Also Peverly can still take a lot of face-offs so this line should start with the puck a lot.

Whitney/Horcoff/Chiasson - I think Horcoff can provide a steady 2 way presence allowing Whitney to be the amazing wizard and Chiasson is good at driving the net.

Cole/Eakins/Nichuskin - I believe the Stars will limit Nichuskin and keep him away from other teams top defenseman until he adapts to North American hockey. This line has speed to burn and will play a very direct to the net game. Eventually I believe Benn/Seguin/Nichuskin is going to be the top line for a long time.

Roussel/Fiddler/Garbutt - A really pesky line with speed, the ability to score a few goals, win face-offs and throw in a fight occasionally.

I think Eakins needs to further develop his offensive instincts before he can be considered a candidate for 2C so I think he will start the year as 3C.

Here is my 2 cents worth for line combinations to start the year.

Benn/Seguin/Peverly - Peverly can provide an experienced 2 way presence as Seguin and Benn adjust to new positions and develop offensive chemistry. I think that both players will have big years playing at their natural positions again. Also Peverly can still take a lot of face-offs so this line should start with the puck a lot.

Whitney/Horcoff/Chiasson - I think Horcoff can provide a steady 2 way presence allowing Whitney to be the amazing wizard and Chiasson is good at driving the net.

Cole/Eakins/Nichuskin - I believe the Stars will limit Nichuskin and keep him away from other teams top defenseman until he adapts to North American hockey. This line has speed to burn and will play a very direct to the net game. Eventually I believe Benn/Seguin/Nichuskin is going to be the top line for a long time.

Roussel/Fiddler/Garbutt - A really pesky line with speed, the ability to score a few goals, win face-offs and throw in a fight occasionally.
- jerryb

Well said. Pretty much how I see the lines shaking out as well.

Well written

where does Eakins fit this year with Seguin, Peverly, Horcoff? Will Horcoff be a 5.5M 4C?
- TheNugeIsHuge

Seguin and Peverley can both also play the wing.

The Stars' new jerseys look great!!! Good luck this year and I just wanted to say that I think you'll do a lot better than people are predicting.