The Dallas Stars are at a crossroads. After dropping eight of their last ten games, it's clear something needs to change if this team has serious postseason aspirations.
Right now, the way they're playing, a deep Stanley Cup Playoff run feels more like wishful thinking than a realistic goal. The urgency is real, and the trade deadline looms large.
One name that could shake things up in a big way? Dougie Hamilton.
The veteran defenseman is reportedly on the radar for several teams, and with the New Jersey Devils looking to clear some cap space, Hamilton’s $9 million price tag might be too steep for them to carry into next season. That opens the door for a potential move - and Dallas could be one of the teams ready to knock.
Here’s how it could work: If the Stars place Tyler Seguin on Long-Term Injured Reserve after the Winter Olympics break, it would free up some much-needed cap space. That’s when General Manager Jim Nill could get aggressive. Hamilton would bring a dynamic offensive presence from the blue line - something Dallas could use, especially if Jason Robertson or Mikko Rantanen hit a cold stretch down the stretch.
But let’s not pretend this would be a simple deal. For Dallas to make this work, two key things would likely need to happen.
First, New Jersey would have to retain a portion of Hamilton’s salary - not just for this season, but possibly into next year - to make the numbers fit. Second, Hamilton would need to be on board with the idea of being a pure rental.
No long-term commitment, just a shot at the Cup.
That’s a big ask on both sides.
If Nill pulls it off and the Stars go all the way? We’re talking legacy-defining stuff.
The kind of bold, calculated swing that could cement his status as one of the best GMs in franchise history. He’s shown he’s not afraid to go big - just look at last year’s move for Mikko Rantanen.
Adding Hamilton would be another power move, one that could pay off in a big way if the Stars make a deep run.
Still, there’s a reason to be cautious. The likelihood of this deal happening?
Let’s put it around 30%. That’s not to say it’s off the table, but it’s far from a sure thing.
Parting with a first-round pick - and potentially top prospects like Emil Hemming or Cameron Schmidt - would be a steep price for a short-term rental. That kind of risk only makes sense if the front office believes this is the year.
That’s why a player like Blake Coleman might be a more realistic target. He’s under contract beyond this season, brings playoff experience, and - bonus - he’s a Plano native. Coleman would give the Stars a gritty, reliable forward who fits their style and doesn’t require mortgaging the future.
Bottom line: A Hamilton trade would be a blockbuster, no doubt. And if it leads to a Stanley Cup, it would go down as one of the best moves the franchise has made in years. But with so many moving parts - salary retention, prospect cost, short-term rental status - it’s a high-wire act that might be too risky to pull off.
That said, Jim Nill has surprised us before. And with the Stars teetering between contender and pretender, don’t be shocked if he makes another bold play to push this team over the top.