Is Richards Heading out of the Big D?
It came as a surprise to Dallas Stars’ fans when centre Brad Richards joined the franchise in 2007. Hhowever, it now looks very likely that the he will be departing in the off season as an unrestricted free agent.
In the final trading block of the 2010-11 season, much speculation surrounded the 31 year old as many teams showed interest in signing him, but the Stars managed to hold onto him for another few months at least. Brad said that if the franchise were to bring in stable ownership he would consider staying with the Stars, but Dallas have been unable to do so. Without an owner, coach and potentially Brad Richards, dark times are ahead of the Stars with perhaps years of rebuilding having to take place.
The Stars lost to the Minnesota Wild on the last day of the season to finish agonisingly in 9th place, one spot outside the playoffs. So, what prospects lie ahead for Dallas in the 2011-12 season? Well, they still have hold of a player who could potentially be the best player in the league in a few years in left winger Jamie Benn. The youngster scored 56 pts in 69 games for the Stars last season.
One thing the Stars do boast is experience, with the likes of Brenden Morrow, Steve Ott, Stephane Robidas and Trevor Daley who are established, decent players who can provide consistency on the ice. The Stars will now feel they have an experienced goalie between the pipes in 6ft 4in Kari Lehtonen, from Finland, who was towards the top of the list in minutes played last season. He also pulled off some miracle saves to dig the Stars out of deep holes on numerous occasions.
Perhaps the Stars will turn to their fans next season for inspiration as the 2010-11 season saw attendances struggle, averaging 15,073 fans through the gate. This left them 23rd in the attendance league, ahead of the New York Islanders, Phoenix, Atlanta, Columbus, Anaheim and New Jersey. Home advantage can play a huge part in the team’s success, and if the Stars can manage to get a few more through the turnstiles, on ice results may improve. But for now, the 2011-12 season looks highly likely to be a year of rebuilding.
