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Dallas Stars: 5 Players to Watch During Training Camp
5 Dallas Stars Players to Watch During Training Camp
When the Dallas Stars take the ice next week for the start of training camp, there's going to be a new look for them. Not only did they get new uniforms and a new logo, but they got some new players as well.
Over the past several seasons, fans have had to say goodbye to fan favorites like Steve Ott and Brendan Morrow. During this offseason, the Stars welcomed a new head coach in Lindy Ruff while saying goodbye to Loui Erickson, as they traded him to the Boston Bruins.
Players joining the Stars this year include Sergei Gonchar, Richard Peverly, Tyler Seguin and Shawn Horcoff. The Stars are hoping the new additions will help put them back into the playoffs, as their last playoff appearance was in 2008.
The march to the playoffs will start in a less than a month, when the season gets under way. Between now and then, however, it's going to take some time for players to get used to a new system. Ruff knows what it takes to win in this league, as he guided the Buffalo Sabres to the Stanley Cup Finals.
It's quite obvious that management didn't like the way things were going, and thus explains all the changes. New general manager Jim Nill comes from the Detroit Red Wings, and hopes he has made the necessary changes that will put the Stars back into the postseason. In order for that to happen, certain players are going to have to step up and take the lead. Here are five players to watch during the Stars' training camp to see how they respond to the challenge.
5. Kari Lehtonen
Kari Lehtonen has been really good at times for the Stars. It's time for him to take the next step and become the net minder everyone is hoping for.
4. Sergei Gonchar
Sergei Gonchar brings defensive leadership to a very young team. It will be interesting to see how he takes to his new team, and if he embraces the leadership responsibilities.
3. Rich Peverly
Two seasons ago, Rich Peverly had 42 points in 57 games. Last season, he had 18 points in 47 games. It'll be interesting to see what Peverly shows up for the Stars this season.
2. Jamie Benn
With Morrow, Erickson and Ott all departed, the leadership of this team falls squarely on the shoulders of Jamie Benn. Will he embrace it and lead by example, or will the pressure be too much for the youngster?
1. Tyler Seguin
The trade between Boston and Dallas will be considered a success for Dallas, depending on the play of Tyler Seguin, as he was the key to the entire trade. Seguin has a lot of potential and a lot of upside. Will the Stars see it or will the trade be considered a bust?
