STAR GAZING: SEPTEMBER 2, 2015
1) The 2014-15 campaign was largely a lost season for Dallas Stars right winger Valeri Nichushkin in his second year of NHL hockey. Hampered in training camp and early in the season by hip pain and related groin issues, which turned out to be from overcompensating for labral spurs in his hip rather than an initially suspected sports hernia, Nichushkin missed most of the season. He dressed in only eight NHL games plus five rehab assignment AHL games with the Texas Stars.
With Dallas already eliminated from the Western Conference playoff chase despite being one of the NHL's hottest teams down the stretch, Nichushkin returned for the final four games of the season. Playing on a line with Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky, Nichushkin showed signs of regaining the form that made the team's 2013 first-round pick one of the NHL's most highly regarded young players heading into last season.
As a rookie, Nichushkin spent a significant portion of the 2013-14 season as the third member of the top line along with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. During a few stretches of the season -- particularly in early December 2013 -- the trio looked somewhat like a latter-day version of the Philadelphia Flyers' famed Legion of Doom line (Eric Lindros, John LeClair and Mikael Renberg) of the mid-1990s. Opponents simply could not get the puck away from the line and they could create scoring chances many different ways.
Nichushkin, as would be expected, had some consistency issues as a rookie. He had his share of lapses of judgment with and without the puck and there were a few stretches where he got in head coach Lindy Ruff's doghouse. The purpose of lower-line demotions and a couple of healthy scratch removals from the lineup was not punishment -- although it is sometimes tough for young players to understand that in the moment -- but rather to convey a belief that Nichushkin can become a complete player if he stays focused on that goal.
Unfortunately, injuries last season prevented Nichushkin from building on the solid foundation he started during his rookie year. Now, the 20-year-old winger will turn the page and try to turn the frustration and adversity of last season into a positive learning experience moving ahead. From the sound of comments by Stars general manager Jim Nill in July, it seems that Ruff's plan is to at least initially pencil in Nichushkin to play with Spezza and Hemsky.
"It was great to see the chemistry that him, Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky had. They played together and it was amazing to watch. We’re excited. We think that they could be something special," Nill told TSN Drive as transcribed by the Dallas Morning News.
With new arrival Patrick Sharp aboard in Dallas and Spezza entering his second season with the Stars, there is less immediate offensive pressure on Nichushkin. Sometimes, when a young player is as naturally skilled as the Russian forward -- especially when he combines skill with a 6-foot-4, 205 pound frame -- it is easy to forget that there is still a learning curve he must negotiate at the pro level. Having a veteran quartet like defending Art Ross Trophy winner Benn, Art Ross contender Seguin and long-established NHL standouts such as Sharp and Spezza as the top four forwards in the lineup eases a bit of burden on Nichushkin as he embarks on his third pro year.
A young player's third pro season is an important one for another reason. It's the final year of his entry-level deal. Right now, Nichushkin is more on pace for a "bridge deal" in his second NHL contract with Dallas -- a one-year or two-year contract with a moderate raise as a vote of confidence in the player's continued growth-- rather than a long-term deal with a huge jump in salary.
2) On Tuesday, Dallas Stars Inside Edge writer Mark Stepneski Tweeted the list of Dallas prospects who will participate in the annual Traverse City prospect tournament:
Dallas Stars roster for NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City. pic.twitter.com/uMwace95rK
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) September 1, 2015On Sept 12, the Dallas Stars Alumni Team will play the Israeli national team at Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco. The start time is 8:30 p.m.
