Stars bolster forward depth with Duchene, Steel, Smith

After the NHL Draft, free agency and other offseason moves, NHL.com is examining where each team stands in preparation for the 2023-24 regular season, which starts Oct. 7. Today, the Dallas Stars:

2022-23 season:47-21-14, second in Central Division; lost in Western Conference Final

Key arrivals

Matt Duchene, F:The 32-year-old signed a one-year contract July 1, one day after the Nashville Predators placed him on unconditional waivers to buy out the final three seasons of the seven-year contract he signed with them July 1, 2019. Duchene, who can play center or either wing, had 56 points (22 goals, 34 assists) in 71 games with the Predators last season. … Sam Steel, F: The 25-year-old signed a one-year contract July 1. Steel had 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 65 regular-season games and two points (one goal, one assist) in five Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Minnesota Wild last season. The Stars wanted to bring more speed into their lineup, and Steel should provide that for their bottom six. … Craig Smith, F:The 33-year-old signed a one-year contract July 1. He had 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in 64 games for the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals last season and likely will be competing with Steel for the final forward spot.

Key departures

Max Domi, F:Signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 3. He had 56 points (20 goals, 36 assists) in 80 regular-season games with the Chicago Blackhawks and Stars last season, including seven points (two goals, five assists) in 20 regular-season games after being traded to Dallas on March 2, and 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in 19 playoff games. … Colin Miller, D:Traded to the New Jersey Devils for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft on July 1. He had 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 79 regular-season games and one assist in 10 playoff games. … Video: Matt Duchene signs with the Stars, F: The unrestricted free agent had nine points (eight goals, one assist) in 70 regular-season games and five points (one goal, four assists) in 15 postseason games. … Luke Glendening, F:Signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 1. He had six points (three goals, three assists) in 70 regular-season games and three points (two goals, one assist) in 17 playoff games.

On the cusp

Thomas Harley, D: The 21-year-old had two assists in six regular-season games last season, but got more of an opportunity in the playoffs, when he had nine points (one goal, eight assists) in 19 games. The No. 18 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Harley brings size (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) to the Stars defense and should be ready to take the next step and become a regular. … Mavrik Bourque, F:The 21-year-old had 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists) in 70 games with Texas of the American Hockey League. The No. 30 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Bourque played wing last season but is a true center. He has a shot to make the opening night roster, but even if he doesn't, will likely be in the NHL this season. … Video: Matt Duchene signs with the Stars, F:A second-round pick (No. 47) in the 2021 NHL Draft, Stankoven had 97 points (34 goals, 63 assists) in 48 games with Kamloops of the Western Hockey League and 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in seven games for Canada to help them win gold at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship. The 20-year-old may not start the season in Dallas but could end up there later in the season.

What they still need

Possibly another defenseman. When asked July 1 if he was satisfied with the defense, general manager Jim Nill said the Stars were expecting progress from Harley and 22-year-old Nils Lundkvist. If those two show growth in their game, the Stars could go with what they have, but perhaps they look at adding a veteran defenseman when the season begins.

They said it

"I think we increased our speed. You start talking about Roope Hintz coming out and all of a sudden next shift, out comes Matt Duchene. That really changes the look of our team a little bit and we still keep our heaviness with the bottom line, with the (Radek) Faksas and Jamie Benns and guys." -- general manager Jim Nill

Fantasy focus

Duchene is only one season removed from a 40/40 season (43 goals, 43 assists in 2021-22) with the Predators, and gives the Stars more depth than they had during their run to the Western Conference Final last season. Assuming Duchene plays in a secondary role (with Dallas' elite top line staying intact), he would still bring exposure to veterans Benn, Tyler Seguin, up-and-coming forward Wyatt Johnston and/or potential rookie standout Stankoven. Duchene could be a steal in fantasy drafts if he falls outside the top 150 overall. -- Pete Jensen

Projected lineup

Jason Robertson -- Roope Hintz -- Joe Pavelski

Jamie Benn -- Wyatt Johnston -- Evgenii Dadonov

Mason Marchment -- Tyler Seguin -- Matt Duchene

Sam Steel -- Radek Faksa -- Ty Dellandrea

Ryan Suter -- Miro Heiskanen

Thomas Harley -- Video: Matt Duchene signs with the Stars

Esa Lindell -- Nils Lundkvist

Jake Oettinger

Scott Wedgewood