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NHL Rumors: Dallas Stars and Buffalo Sabers

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NHL Rumors: Dallas Stars and Buffalo Sabers

It’s time for another batch of NHL rumors. We’re almost in the final four of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but there’s a lot to discuss. General managers are wondering if some of their players will stay or go. The start of free agency on July 1 is almost upon us, which makes the lack of time real. Some players might strike it rich when summer is in full swing. Today’s NHL rumors focus on the Dallas Stars and Buffalo Sabres.

All NHL rumors are from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumors

Dallas Stars

Rumor: We’re taking another look at Luke Fox’s top 12 unrestricted free agent list. This time, the focus is on forward Matt Duchene.

Analysis: Duchene rejuvenated his career after being acquired by the Nashville Predators this past off-season. The 33-year-old forward is seventh on Fox’s list of top UFAs. He scored 25 goals in a bounce-back campaign after four years in Music City.

Haliburton native Onatrio has thrived as the team’s second-line center. However, it helps that he is surrounded by a more veteran and well-rounded team. Duchene just scored the decisive goal that allowed the Stars to beat the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 of the Western Conference semi-final.

He is a veteran of over 1,000 games and brings a wealth of knowledge to a roster with a good blend of youth and experience. General manager Jim Nill brought in Duchene at a bargain price of $3 million. The veteran hopes to capitalize on this offseason and perhaps earn one more big payday as he nears the end of his career.

However, a number of other players are looking to get a raise. Restricted free agents Ty Dellandrea and Sam Steel had a chance at new contracts, while UFA veteran Joe Pavelski also made his case for another contract.

Nill will do his best to secure a new deal for Duchene. However, there might be some demand for the 341 career goal scorer.

Buffalo swords

Rumor: The Fourth Period is reporting that a number of Sabers players could hit the open market this offseason after not being offered new deals. Some of them include Victor Olofsson, Zemgus Girgensons, Eric Robinson and Tyson Jost.

Analysis: General manager Kevyn Adams really seems to be trying to overhaul the roster once again this offseason. A number of young players are looking to make the jump to a talented AHL Rochester team.

Adams also tries to use some of the team’s space to make some moves. Buffalo has $23.2 million in projected cap space and Adams wants to use it as a weapon. The Sabers general manager wants to sign free agents and explore the trade market this offseason.

Buffalo is experiencing the longest playoff drought in the league and the pressure is on Adams to lead this team back to the postseason. The overhaul means longtime players like Olofsson and Girgensons likely won’t be back in Western New York.

Olofsson has shown flashes of offense at times. However, he has been more missed than hit in recent seasons. A fresh start could be the solution to getting the Swedish striker back on his feet.

Girgensons plays a solid defensive game and has been a staple in the bottom six for Buffalo. There is nothing extraordinary about the Latvian’s game, but the left winger does a good job in defense. It will be strange to see him in a different jersey, but it is likely that he will not return to the Queen City. But he’ll probably land on his feet somewhere.

Robinson and Jost did not get consistent time in the lineup. A change of scenery will also likely benefit both of these players.

Main photo by: Jérôme Miron-USA TODAY Sports

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