Stars reach decision on trading costly roster piece
Elliotte Friedman reported that the Dallas Stars have made a surprising decision regarding their blue line and Ilya Lyubushkin, one that many thought would go the other way with the Salary cap challenges.
Ilya Lyubushkin, the 31-year-old right-shot defenceman, was widely expected to be traded as Dallas looked to create cap space.
With a $3.25 million cap hit and several big contracts coming due, most assumed he would be on the move. But according to Elliotte Friedman, the Stars have decided to keep him for the 2025-26 season.
This comes as Dallas continues to adjust its defence following another playoff run that fell short.
The Stars have made three straight trips to the Western Conference Final, but the right side of their defence has been exposed at key moments.
The Dallas Stars keep Ilya Lyubushkin as depth despite his $3.25 million cap hit and ongoing cap concerns
Last year's lineup relied on Miro Heiskanen playing on his off-side, with Matt Dumba, Lyubushkin, and Alexander Petrovic filling out the rotation.
Petrovic, a 6-foot-5 bruiser, was waived after the postseason, while Dumba was dealt to Pittsburgh for younger depth in Vladislav Kolyachonok.
Lyubushkin, meanwhile, stays put. The Stars see value in his steady, physical style, even if his contract makes things tight.
I think Dallas is betting on stability here, even if it means delaying tough choices until later.
With Jason Robertson's massive extension still looming, and several other cap decisions ahead, this might only be a short-term answer.
Lyubushkin's deal runs through 2026-27, meaning Dallas may revisit this situation down the road.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 19 | 91 ANSWERS Stars reach decision on trading costly roster piece Should the Dallas Stars keep Ilya Lyubushkin with the salary cap challenges? | ||
| Yes | 42 | 46.2 % |
| No | 49 | 53.8 % |
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