Dallas Stars at risk of losing defenseman for nothing due to NHL rights deadline
Photo credit: Dallas Blackout
The Dallas Stars face a time-sensitive decision as Jack Bar, a 2021 fifth-round draft pick, stands on the verge of losing his NHL rights if he is not signed by August 15, 2025.
Bar's rights are set to expire under NHL rules that affect NCAA players who complete four college years, making this a real deadline for Dallas as tracked by PuckPedia.
If Bar does not sign an entry-level contract by then, he will become an unrestricted free agent and able to sign with any NHL team.
Bar, a 22-year-old right-shot defenseman drafted 138th overall in 2021, completed four years of NCAA hockey, making his rights subject to the August 15 expiration rule.
How Dallas's cap and roster focus complicates the decision on Jack Bar
He finished his college career as a smart two-way defender with strong skating and first-pass ability, though scouts say his upside is tied to transitions and decision-making rather than pure offense.
The loss would represent a missed opportunity for the Stars' pipeline, especially given their need for blue-line depth in the coming seasons.
«Teams have to decide whether they trust a guy's development or are willing to risk losing him for zero value,» one NHL scout told PuckPedia.
With limited cap flexibility and major contracts looming, Jason Robertson and Thomas Harley both due for new deals, the Stars are juggling multiple priorities.
Bar's entry-level contract is low risk financially but counts toward the 50-contract limit, adding pressure on front office space.
I believe Dallas will likely sign Bar if they still see development potential, but it's cutting close with the roster crunch ahead.
TRENDING NOW
