The Dallas Stars just locked up a defenseman built for playoff wars, and he's only getting started

Physicality, or the lack of it, was a major theme in last year's playoff exit against the Edmonton Oilers.

The Stars were outmuscled and outhit in a short five-game series, something even new head coach Glen Gulutzan admitted in his introductory press conference this summer.

Dallas responded by signing Nathan Bastian to a one-year deal, a move designed to add size and toughness to the forward group.

While some fans questioned the fit, the message was clear, the Stars know they need more grit if they want to match the intensity of teams like the Florida Panthers, who have thrived with a mix of skill and sandpaper.

Enter Niilopekka Muhonen, the Stars' 2024 draft pick who signed a three-year entry-level contract this summer. Standing tall and already known for his physical edge, Muhonen projects as a bruising blueliner with more bite than the current Dallas roster.

Some have even called him a «Finnish version of Lian Bichsel,» but with a scoring touch. Dallas envisions him as the kind of defenseman who can make life miserable for opponents in front of the net, while also chipping in offensively when needed.

Muhonen's progress will be watched closely over the next couple of seasons, whether he continues with the Medicine Hat Tigers or transitions to Cedar Park with the Texas Stars.

If his development goes as planned, he could eventually join Dallas's «Finnish Mafia» alongside Roope Hintz, Mikko Rantanen, Miro Heiskanen, and Esa Lindell.

Personally, I think adding a player like Muhonen could be crucial for the Stars' future playoff runs.

You can never have too much skill, but the teams that lift the Cup almost always have a punishing edge.