Paul McCann: Deconstructing the Central - Dallas

I haven't seen gonchar play in so long what kind of defenseman is he at this point in his career ? Still a top four or top pair guy ?

I haven't seen gonchar play in so long what kind of defenseman is he at this point in his career ? Still a top four or top pair guy ?
- blizzzard

Top 6 defenseman

Top 6 defenseman



- eichiefs9

I wondered that lol but I didn't want to offend anyone

I think the Stars are poised to make some noise. They already were on teh way up, and now their young guns are a year older. Add in the addition of Spezza and Hemsky and that should add a large influx of scoring, and take pressure away from said young guns.

So long as Spezza and Hemsky stay healthy (not guaranteed), the team should improve on the strides they made last year.

I haven't seen gonchar play in so long what kind of defenseman is he at this point in his career ? Still a top four or top pair guy ?
- blizzzard

Gonchar is a spare that shouldn't even be on the ice. Supposedly he's a nice guy, and I guess a good mentor for Nichushkin.

He's been awful on D since he left Pittsburgh, turnovers in the crease, I would love nothing more for anyone to take him. Nill has tried to eat half his salary and trade him back to Pitt or Ott but no dice. The only hope now is someone gets the injury bug and he gets shipped out of town.

If I had it my way Val would be mentored by Benn, he needs to be around hungry young kids, not "Where's my money Gonchar."

I think Paul's assessment is right on.

The Stars are much better than in years past and actually have a little forward depth. What's keeping them from real contender status is their D. They shouldn't be as bad as most people think.

Nemeth looked pretty good at the end of last year and not out of place in the playoffs. Daley and Gologoski, after a rough start (playing with Gonchar), also looked good at the end of the season. Mike Heika the Stars beat writer is high on Klingberg who hasn't seen Big D yet. Dillon should continue his growth and is the closest we have to a shutdown D. If Oleksiak isn't horrible in camp he could get a chance with the big club but he could still be a year away.

It should be an interesting competition between Dallas and the Preds this season. Both teams have added depth at the forward positions (badly needed by the Preds) Preds have the edge in the "D" department and in net. Should be fun !

I think Paul's assessment is right on.

The Stars are much better than in years past and actually have a little forward depth. What's keeping them from real contender status is their D. They shouldn't be as bad as most people think.

Nemeth looked pretty good at the end of last year and not out of place in the playoffs. Daley and Gologoski, after a rough start (playing with Gonchar), also looked good at the end of the season. Mike Heika the Stars beat writer is high on Klingberg who hasn't seen Big D yet. Dillon should continue his growth and is the closest we have to a shutdown D. If Oleksiak isn't horrible in camp he could get a chance with the big club but he could still be a year away.
- tootooisapunk

Has he not turned out? I was a big fan of him in his draft year so that'd be a little disappointing.

Has he not turned out? I was a big fan of him in his draft year so that'd be a little disappointing.
- GOODPLAYA20

I wouldn't say he's been a bust, but he definitely hasn't forced his way onto the team. Everyone wants to compare him to Chara since he's big, but he certainly hasn't shown much of a physical side.

Looks like Nill and co are trying to give the big rig some time and not rush him. Where as you could say the Islanders and Senators gave up on Z too early.