"We kept that lineup together for a good period of time, almost 30 games, which isn't easy for an Oleksiak or a Nemeth," said Stars coach Lindy Ruff. "It isn't easy to step in on a one-game evaluation. I know the pressure they're feeling to perform. That's hard on young defensemen."
Oleksiak played in 11 of the first 46 games before getting a conditioning stint in the AHL. Nemeth played in 11 of the first 52 games, and he went on a AHL conditioning stint 16 games into the season.
"It was a learning year for them. It's a tough league up here, and they know it," said Stars GM Jim Nill. "But I think they are going to grab it this season]. They are more than ready."
And the makeup of the blue line this season plays in the favor of the 23-year-old Oleksiak and 24-year-old Nemeth. With the Stars parting ways with veterans Alex Goligoski, Jason Demers, and Kris Russell the door is more wide open for young players to compete for spots.
Ruff said he hasn't determined defense pairs yet. Still, Dan Hamhuis, who was signed as a free agent this summer, and John Klingberg seem a likely top pair. Veteran Johnny Oduya and 24-year-old Stephen Johns, who came up late last season from the AHL, were a good pair last season and may be a fit again. Then there are Oleksiak, Nemeth, veteran Jordie Benn, and 22-year-old Esa Lindell. And there's a push from some others, including 20-year-old Julius Honka and 24-year-old Mattias Backman.
"This year there a lot more younger guys, obviously skilled guys that can jump in the lineup, but there is more competition because there aren't guys set in the lineup," Oleksiak said. "I just have to be confident in my abilities and demonstrate that to everybody else. The competition is great for the team, and it makes us all push each other. I am really looking forward to it."
So far, Oleksiak and Nemeth have received good reviews from Ruff for their performance in training camp and the preseason.
"At different times both have stood out, how well they've played in different areas," said Ruff. "Nemeth a few times on the offensive side and Oleksiak on the side of being physical and eliminating players."
Both players will bring size. Oleksiak is 6-7, 260 pounds and Nemeth is 6-3, 230 pounds. The size is important, but so is mobility and the ability to make plays and move the puck. And Ruff said the biggest challenge for all the young defensemen, including Oleksiak and Nemeth, is consistency of play.
"If you look at where both those guys are, it is about being a guy that can be counted on in key situations, be out there late in the game and make the right decisions," Ruff said.
Ruff said both Nemeth and Oleksiak have shown that they are embracing the challenge in training camp and the preseason. And both players said they are ready to learn from last season and take advantage of the opportunity that is in front of them this season.
"[Last season.
