Arnason's Future "unsure"
With the Dallas Stars heading into the off-season with no real 1st line players, GM Ryan felt he had to make some changes... and more are likely to come. It has been highly rumoured that it may be Ryan Miller on the way out in a deal that has already been confirmed and will be completed upon league approval after the end of the playoffs, with Hemsky plus coming back in return. Other deals may have already been confirmed as well. I can't imagine the new GM would trade Miller without getting a goalie back in return, but so far RT has neither confirmed nor denied any of this to the media.
Given the amount of movement expected under the new management, no one's job is considered safe, even the current leader on offense, Tyler Arnason. When asked about his future with the team, Arnason answered, "I'm unsure at the moment. We've got two young talented centers coming up and Ryan seems to be moving in a younger direction." He went on to say, "I don't think anybody's job is safe right now."
At 27 years old, Arnason isn't exactly too old to be on a team of young players, and is a very talented individual himself. He is known for being a superb 2-way player, but can score and has a great pass as well, making him a threat at both ends of the ice. Nevertheless, he may be right about the 2 young centers jockeying for his job. Patrick O'Sullivan is a very highly touted prospect on the verge of playing full time with the team, and Marcel Goc just finished his first full season in the NHL. Both possess the skills to become a #1 center, but only time and hard work will get them there.
So what is the GM of the Dallas Stars looking for in return for their current players? Answered Ryan, "We believe, if we were to trade a player as talented as Arnason, that he should be able to get us two high quality prospects in the 19-21 year range. Of course, we'd be just as happy to hold on to him. He's at an age where he's entering his prime, and you don't give up quality players in their prime for prospects with little chance of making it."
Given the amount of draft picks he recieved upon taking on the role as General Manager, RT would probably be willing to part with a couple to get a deal done.
Taking all this in, you've got to think the Dallas Stars are not going to pose much of a threat in the 06/07 season, but considering the lack of any huge contracts on the team and the salary cap due to increase, the Stars could be looking to stock up on UFA's to fill in any gaps left after all the trading dust has cleared. Only time will tell I guess. For now though, all we can do is sit back and wait for the playoffs to end so all the rumours can become reality.
Last edited by RT14; 05-01-2006 at 10:42 AM.
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