Don't get so hung up on handedness. They could just as easily switch one to play the left side. Is it 100% ideal? No. But it's 100,000x more ideal than trading a talented young defenseman on an ELC
- eichiefs9

- mdw7413

Am I doing this right

Am I doing this right
- eichiefs9

They didn't have any cellos vs violins pics.

They didn't have any cellos vs violins pics.
- mdw7413

Dallas team media personalities weigh in on bringing back Zuccarello:


On a scale of 1-10, what would you say are the chances Mats Zuccarello signs a long-term deal to remain with the Stars? Do you believe a Zuccarello deal is the team's top priority entering the summer?

Mike Heika, DallasStars.com senior staff writer: I'm going to give it a 6 right now.

Everything I have heard is that the Stars' main priority in the offseason is to get Mats Zuccarello signed to a contract extension, but then the questions come up on how long and if Zuccarello wants to play the rest of his career in Dallas. Zuccarello will turn 32 on Sept. 1, so a five-year extension would take him through age 37. That's pretty late in a player's career, so the guess is the Stars would want a four-year extension.

If Zuccarello feels that he can get a five-year deal, that could make negotiations a little bit tougher. Because Zuccarello has played his entire career in New York, he might want to see what the interest is on the East Coast, and that might mean he would want to test unrestricted free agency on July 1. He's earned the right, and he might just tell the Stars he wants to wait. The Stars could be patient and allow Zuccarello to study the market in hopes he would still find his best fit back in Dallas, but there are other factors here.

If the Stars re-sign Zuccarello, they give up their first-round pick in 2020. If they do not, they yield their third-round pick. As such, the team might want a sign of reciprocation on the cost of investment in Zuccarello, and might want to get a deal done before July 1. It's an intriguing dance.

I believe the Stars believe that losing the first-round pick is fine because there is a chance it is a pick in the late 20s. My guess is they would rather not lose the first-round pick and overpay for Zuccarello in contract, too. That could mean they face a tough decision if Zuccarello wants to hit it out of the park this summer.



Brien Rea, host of 'Stars Live' on FOX Sports Southwest: Do I think re-signing Mats Zuccarello is a top priority? Absolutely, yes.

Even though the cost will be the length of the contract and a 2020 first-round pick, I think it's worth it. The Stars are in a window right now to win, Zuccarello is a proven commodity with this team as good as any other top-six forward option that Jim Nill could find on the free agent market. A 2020 first-round pick won't potentially start producing value for at least three years. Key players are locked in for the next few seasons, and Zuccarello's playmaking can round out this team's offense.

I'll sidestep the 1-10 scale and say I'm 50/50 on whether or not Mats Zuccarello will wear a Stars jersey next season. The main reason? I don't know enough about Zuccarello's motivations for what likely will be the last big contract of his career. What is he looking for? Length? Money? Chances to win? No state taxes? Or something else entirely? I'm confident in Jim Nill's ability to navigate the waters of the free agent market to keep him, but I am curious to see how Zuccarello navigates through free agency for the first time in his career.



Owen Newkirk, Dallas Stars radio host: I am an optimist by nature, so I'm going to say a solid seven.

To be blunt, Mats Zuccarello makes the Stars a better team. We have heard this fact from Jim Nill, Jim Montgomery -- basically the entire 2018-19 Stars roster and pretty much all of the Stars fans with which I have had the pleasure of interacting. Every aspect of the player received rave reviews; from his speed and tenacity, to his world-class passing ability and his seemingly instant chemistry with the roster both on and off ice. Of course, as a pending UFA, the ball is entirely in Zuccarello's court. Understandably, he kept his cards very close to his chest when addressing the media after the playoff run came to an end. But I think the short stint he had in Texas showed that he's not only a good fit, but that he can come in and have a chance to win with this group right now.

To answer the second part, Nill made it abundantly clear that getting Zuccarello re-signed was a main order of his offseason business this summer. I am completely fine with the inherent cost; the team's 2020 first-round pick plus a contract, which I am guessing would look similar to what Alexander Radulov signed two seasons ago.

Zuccarello had nothing but glowing comments to the press about his brief time in Dallas (aside from his frustration at being injured and missing so many regular season games). That's a good sign for the Stars, but not a guarantee. If for some reason, Zuccarello decides to sign elsewhere, then Nill's priority will be filling the top-six slot vacated by the electrifying Norwegian
- jimbro83

I’m tellin ya...Kreider for Pick 18. Makes a lot of sense. He can even live with zucc. Give them TB second rder too

Good idea though. Buch looked like he had tape worm for 2 years. Get Kravtsov some freedom food to wash out the commie in him
- mdw7413

Lias and Howden did that last year, if I recall. It's cool to get the prospects adjusted to the NHL by living with one of the best pros to ever be involved in the sport.

I’m tellin ya...Kreider for Pick 18. Makes a lot of sense. He can even live with zucc. Give them TB second rder too
- Slimtj100

Kessel ain’t waving his Santa clauses

Kessel ain’t waving his Santa clauses
- Slimtj100

yep, for everyone who says that NTC's dont matter

Kessel ain’t waving his Santa clauses
- Slimtj100

He has already eaten 2 Large Cups worth of Hot Dogs, if team doesnt want you might as well move out.

So a guy in January bet $400 on St. Louis winning the cup at 250-1. How bout that poop. He’ll get 100k if it happens

So a guy in January bet $400 on St. Louis winning the cup at 250-1. How bout that poop. He’ll get 100k if it happens
- Slimtj100

starting January 23rd, they went on 10 game winning streak, I guess he saw something

Just saw end of Finns - Swedes game and Hank got lit up today, and gave up a softee in OT

Just saw end of Finns - Swedes game and Hank got lit up today, and gave up a softee in OT
- Slimtj100

yep, that overtime goal reminded me of the Turris one he gave up in 2012 playoffs

starting January 23rd, they went on 10 game winning streak, I guess he saw something
- jimbro83

not sure when in January, but that’s a ballsy bet

If Kessel has Minnesota on his No Trade list, can he waive for $$ ? Is that permitted under the CBA?
If he waives for say, $2 million, how does that count under the salary cap? Anyone know??

If Kessel has Minnesota on his No Trade list, can he waive for $$ ? Is that permitted under the CBA?
If he waives for say, $2 million, how does that count under the salary cap? Anyone know??
- TommyGTrain

no changing of contract is permitted in CBA

not sure when in January, but that’s a ballsy bet
- Slimtj100

He probably has money. I’m guessing 400 for him is like 20 bucks to us.

I bet he’s hedge at least once already. He shoulda bet 1-2k on Dallas winning game 7.

He probably already put his 10k bet on the Bruins now. Guarantee some money

not sure when in January, but that’s a ballsy bet
- Slimtj100

I'm sure he's hedged outta that bet already, although $400 isn't really size. Where did you hear about it out of curiosity?

not sure when in January, but that’s a ballsy bet
- Slimtj100

Action network on Sirius?

Action network on Sirius?
- WineryDog

Lol 😂 yes Sirius. My friend at work had told me about it first. I’m sure the hedging happened too

Lol 😂 yes Sirius. My friend at work had told me about it first. I’m sure the hedging happened too
- Slimtj100

I honestly think these bets happen every year, we just hear about it now. I have a friend who before the season bets 100 bucks on the 49ers every year to win the super bowl. I’m sure their are scores of fans who was up at the casino and bet the Blues as a LOL bet cause they see 250-1.

There’s actually a site that lets you sell tickets to other people so you can hedge.

Hank with the worst GAA and SV% in the tourney. He should retire early. Sad to watch

Hank with the worst GAA and SV% in the tourney. He should retire early. Sad to watch
- nyrangers2

Or go to Calgary lol

no changing of contract is permitted in CBA
- jimbro83

Thanks for quick response.