I'm going to be doing a series of these, with a new team each day.
Today we look at the Dallas Stars, who continue their search for a scoring winger to play with Modano. This search has been ongoing for years with very little success.
In the offseason the Stars tried very hard for Jason Blake and Slava Kozlov, only to lose out on both. The Stars hoped to get their winger last deadline in Nagy, but that didn't work out. All signs point to the Stars once again bringing in a winger in hopes of bolstering their offense.
So who are they looking at. Marian Hossa is target number one. If Hossa is dealt, expect Dallas to be right in the thick of talks. Hossa would look great beside Modano.
Target number two is Martin St. Louis. Tampa seems content to keep their big three, but if one is to be dealt, sources say St. Louis would be that guy. Dallas would love to bring St. Louis in, as he still has term left on his contract, meaning he'd be more than just a rental.
Who else are the Stars looking at. Prospal is another Tampa player the Stars have serious interest in, and it looks increasingly possible the skiled winger will be traded. What is interesting about Prospal is that he only seems to have success with the Bolts. He left a few seasons ago, struggled, only to return to Tampa and re-find this game. With that said, Prospal would be a good fit for the Stars.
Michael Ryder is having a really tough year, but could thrive in Dallas. He is a UFA July 1st, meaning there is very little risk in bringing him in. If he works out, great, if he doesnt', he's gone in a few months.
Darcy Tucker is another name that Dallas has interest in. He can score, and he provides grit, two things the Stars could really use. Tucker, however, has a NTC and is unlikely to waive it to go to Dallas. Three years at 3 million per left on his deal.
Miroslav Satan is another soon to be UFA that Dallas has significant interest in. While he just got hurt, he should be back around the deadline, just in time to get back into game shape heading into the playoffs. The Islanders are out of it, and will likely be moving him. I know the Stars had interest in Satan last time he was a UFA, I expect them to make a serious bid for him this deadline.
None of the above players will come cheap. Dallas still has their first round pick for this season, so it appears that will come into play. Dallas has a stockpile of defensive prospects including Niskanen and Fistric that could also come to play if the right player was available. Finally, Marty Turco's name will come into play anytime you talk about Tampa Bay. St. Louis would be expensive, but Turco for St. Louis has been a rumour for months now, and many around the league believe there is a lot to it.
So keep your eye on the Dallas Stars, as they are deep in the hunt for a sniper to be along side Mike Modano.
Tomorrow's Team: Detroit Red Wings
