New look Stars move two moves

   Knowing it’s not a preferable destination by most big name free agents, the Dallas Stars were hard at work one day before free agency, making two separate deals. The two moves now give the Stars something they haven’t had in years, an offensive one-two punch in regards to the top two lines.

    New GM Jim Nill, acquired former 2^nd overall pick Tyler Seguin, and Rich Peverly from Boston for top line forward Loui Eriksson and prospects Reilly Smith, Matt Fraser & Joe Morrow.  Before the deal had been completed, it was rumored to be Seguin for Eriksson which I thought was fair. (Seguin) obviously have more upside, but with Peverly being included I think it swings in favor for Dallas. Give Nill credit; in two weeks on the job, he had the balls to make a brave move unlike his predecessor Joe Nieuwendyk. Look for Seguin to be lineup up with top prospect (22 year old) Alex Chiasson (6 goals in only 7 regular season games) this combination could be deadly over the next decade.

   The same day, Nill picked up veteran centerman Sean Horcoff for seldom used de-man Philip Larsen, & a 7^th rounder. Shockingly a good deal for both teams, Edmonton sheds a bad contract (5.5 cap hit) but, Dallas only pays Horcoff (4 million, 3 million) over the next few years. Is the former captain a 3^rd liner? Absolutely and he knows it, but a reasonable salary @ 3.5 million.  

   The only downside for the Stars is they had to move what little depth they had in their farm system. It’s a stretch to say Fraser and Smith will be prominent top six forwards; but at the same time they were speedy, somewhat skilled forwards early in their careers. Another key point everyone must know, the Stars don’t has four-five guys in the AHL, waiting for the call up; that are NHL quality players.

   With a veteran like Eric Nystrom moving onto free-agency, the Stars need to address their bottom six forwards, they need to sign in-expensive players who could step in if need be. If I were Jim Nill, I’d look at Nathan Gerbe, Boyd Gordon and/or Brad Richarson. All of which could be had for less than 1.2 million p/y.