Why didn't they have an alumni game at the Winter Classic? -- @robertgct488
Heika:I think there were so many moving parts, including having the ice ready and whether or not they could get the Fair Park indoor ice up and running (they did not). I think it just fell through the cracks, as the team and the league tried to make sure all of the other aspects of the Winter Classic were taken care of.
In retrospect, the rain might have made it so an Alumni Game couldn't have been played anyway.
Editor's note: The Stars will host their annual Boxx Modular Alumni Game presented by Lockheed Martin on Sunday, Feb. 23 at American Airlines Center immediately following their matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. One ticket gets fans into both games.
What if Julius Honka comes back from Finland and ends up making this roster during camp? (If he isn't traded at or after the draft). Something interesting to think about, even though it's been mostly downhill for him with this team. -- @JakeRD\\
Heika:I really like Julius Honka and have been one of the people who defend his trade value, but I just don't see that happening.
He has 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 37 games in Finland, and he just isn't knocking down the door right now. If indeed the team decides to let go both Roman Polak and Andrej Sekera as UFAs in the summer, the guess is Thomas Harley, Taylor Fedun or one of the AHL guys will be good enough to hold down the blueline depth.
I have not seen this question get asked, but are we into territory where Bowness will get the head job going forward? Or will the Stars, no matter the finish this year, still be searching for a coach in the offseason? ... Thanks, I'll hang up and listen! -- @sportsruss
Heika:There's a lot to consider here. One, do the Stars go far enough in the playoffs to make this a legitimate discussion? Two, does Bowness want to be a full-time head coach? Three, is there someone better than Bowness available even if he wants to come back? So much can change in one playoff series in the NHL, so there is a lot on the line as the team plays out the rest of this season.
What does the coaching search look like for next year (if one is taking place now)? I like Bowness, but does Nill look to go back to younger/analytics minded? Is there a point that the team can get to that secures the job for Bowness next year? -- @rewdy214
Heika:The past three coaching searches have yielded three completely different hires, so I'm not sure what they would be looking for. I don't believe they are looking for the next head coach right now, because I think they are very focused on winning this season, and they don't believe taking focus away from this season would be a good idea. I think there is a chance that Rick Bowness wants to continue on if the season turns out the way he likes. I think there is a chance he would step aside and let a new head coach come in while he moves back to running the defense.
On the good side, I think Dallas has a great reputation as a solid place to work, Jim Nill has a ton of respect from his peers, and the team seems ready to win right now. That would allow you to be in any discussion with any coach who was on the market. That opens up all sorts of options for Nill and the front office, and my guess is that will make it easy to wait until this season plays out with full confidence that whatever happens, they will be able to make a good choice in the summer.
Do you think having Johns back has rejunivated the team a bit? He's certainly a unique defenseman who brings quite a bit to the table! -- @TripFloyd
Heika:Yes. Stephen Johns adds physicality, a right-handed shot, and a big bomb from the blueline. Those are all valued commodities (some of which, no other Stars defenseman possesses). One of the great things about adding a good player is it pushes other players down the depth chart and makes everybody better.
Stephen Johns is giving the Stars a very good partner for Miro Heiskanen and is creating a real competition to get playing time on the third pairing. Those are good things for the Stars right now.