Stars working to extend All-Star forward, could be deadline buyers
Despite a slightly disappointing season, the Dallas Stars committed today to aiming to remain competitive, and perhaps be buyers ahead of the deadline. General Manager Jim Nill, in conversation with Pierre Lebrun of the Athletic, declared the club's intentions to extend aging superstar Joe Pavelski.
At 37 years of age, Pavelski shows no sign of slowing down, leading the Stars in scoring with 53 points in 49 games this season, while providing leadership, clutch scoring, and other intangibles. Jim Nill knows Pavelski is critical to the success of the team. With that in mind, Nill expressed his desire to extend him regardless of his age or the Stars' ability to compete in the playoffs.
Nill explained to LeBrun,
"I want to see where Joe is at. We got to look at our cap situation, too. And I think he'll have some questions he'll want answered. We'll have some questions. But my mindset is that we want to bring him back. He's been a great fit for us. He's a big part of our community and our team."
That said, the Stars' play, and whether they do remain in the hunt for the playoffs, may influence Jim Nill on what moves to make prior to the deadline. The Stars have multiple talented young players coming up on the roster, like Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, and Miro Heiskanen, but are also surrounded by other aging players. Nill's moves ahead of the deadline regarding these players could impact Pavelski's decision on whether or not to extend in Dallas. On the fluid situation prior to the deadline, Nill continued,
"We just had our meetings and we went through all those scenarios. We're prepared for that. We've walked through all those scenarios. It might come down to that last week where we have to make some tough calls."
The Stars will be an interesting team to watch ahead of the trade deadline, as they will dictate their own future through their own in-game successes or failures.
