Experts are questioning Jim Nill's latest move with the Dallas Stars, and here's why
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The Dallas Stars' recent signing of Nathan Bastian seemed like a straightforward depth move, until you take a closer look at the current roster and realize something doesn't quite add up.
Earlier this week, general manager Jim Nill added the 27-year-old winger on a one-year deal, adding size and physical play to the lineup.
But with Dallas already stocked with returning fourth-line talent, questions are emerging about where Bastian actually fits in the rotation.
As The Hockey News points out, the Stars now have five players who project as fourth-liners competing for just three spots.
Dallas Stars' bottom six faces a roster logjam heading into the season
Radek Faksa's return after a year in St. Louis seemed to solidify him as the fourth-line center.
Sam Steel, Oskar Bäck, and Colin Blackwell were expected to rotate on the wings based on performance.
Now, with Bastian in the mix, someone is going to be left out, unless one of these players moves up to the third line.
That's where things get even more complicated.
The third line is already counting on Jamie Benn to rebound from a disappointing end to last season and playoffs, where his scoring dried up.
Steel, the most likely candidate to move up, had just six goals last season.
Meanwhile, Evgenii Dadonov, who filled much of that third-line role last year, scored 20 goals before signing with New Jersey.
This puts added pressure on the top-six group, which includes aging veterans Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin.
Personally, I think unless Dallas gets unexpected offensive contributions from the bottom six, the Stars could find themselves overly reliant on their top forwards.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 10 | 46 ANSWERS Experts are questioning Jim Nill's latest move with the Dallas Stars, and here's why Do you think the Dallas Stars' current bottom six is strong enough for a deep playoff run? | ||
| Yes | 33 | 71.7 % |
| No | 13 | 28.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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