Dallas Stars: Veterans The Key To Success In 2013-14


Stephane Robidas

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Stars have made it a point to get younger in the last year, selling off some of their older assets in order to gain younger players with big potential. They have a solid combination of youngsters on their current roster, as well as some talent coming up through the ranks.

While the Stars wait for their young players to completely develop or reach their potential, the veterans will have to lead the way for this team. Their current roster featured a strong  mix of aging vets and young players. Despite their desire to get younger and build up the farm system, the veterans are still key to the success of this team.

That veteran presence goes for both the blue line and on the forward ranks. Up front, you have the likes of Ray Whitney and Erik Cole, while the defensive corps features Sergei Gonchar and Stephane Robidas. Names like that are key to the success of the Stars in 2013-14.

Whitney, even at his age, has proven capable of being a regular offensive presence. He’s not only a good guy to have around for leadership purposes, he’s still capable of some serious offensive output. Erik Cole should have a rebound year after a rough start with the Stars.

Gonchar will provide some leadership for a blue line that can use it. He’s not the guy you want logging big minutes on the blue line anymore, but can be an asset on the power play. Long time Stars d-man Stephan Robidas will chip in on offense, but provide a physical presence along the blue line.

The Stars have the makings of a young core in place, including names like Tyler SeguinJamie Benn, and a host of young talent coming up through the pipeline. But the Stars will still have to rely on their aging veterans in 2013-14 if they hope to lock down a playoff spot next season.


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