Ready to shine: Meet the Stars' 2018-19 opening night roster

The Dallas Stars will enter the 2018-19 season with 23 players on the active roster: 14 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders. Of those 23 players, 12 were drafted and developed by the Stars, six were acquired via trade, and five were signed as free agents. The Stars also will open the season with two players on injured reserve.
According to the league's calculations, the average age of the Dallas roster is 27.1, which ranks in the middle of the pack. They are the 14th-oldest team or 18th youngest, depending on how you want to spin it. Their average weight is 205.3 pounds, which makes them the third heaviest team in the league behind only the Islanders (209.6) and Kings (206.0).
Here's a look at the 2018-19 Stars roster.

FORWARDS

No. 14 Jamie Benn, LW

Age: 29
Cap hit: $9.5 million | Signed through 2024-25
How acquired:Drafted fifth round (129th overall) in 2007
The Stars captain put up some good numbers last season, leading the team in points (79) and ranking second in goals (36), third in assists (43), second in shots on goal (241), and second in plus/minus (plus-20) while playing all 82 games. Benn, who over the past five seasons ranks third in the league in points (403) and fourth in goals (172), has enjoyed a lot of individual success in nine seasons in the NHL, but playoff accomplishments have been elusive. He's made the postseason only twice with the Stars.
"I think we've got to stop wasting the good talent we have here and take advantage of it," Benn said. "Ten years later, goes by fast. You've got to take advantage of the good teams that you have, and we have a good team here, so we've got to make a run here."

No. 91 Tyler Seguin, C

Age:26
Cap hit: $5.75 million | Signed through 2026-27
How acquired:Via trade from Boston along with center Rich Peverley and defenseman Ryan Button in exchange for forwards Loui Eriksson, Reilly Smith, Matt Fraser and defenseman Joe Morrow on July 4, 2013.
Seguin had an impressive 2017-18 season, embracing an expanded role as a two-way player who could be counted on at both ends of the ice. He scored a career-high 40 goals, took on a penalty-killing role, won 54.9 percent of his faceoffs, and finished the season with a plus-12 rating while averaging 20:55 of ice time. Over the past five seasons, only Alexander Ovechkin (236) has scored more goals than Seguin's 173. After a summer of negotiations that included some ups and downs, Seguin and the Stars agreed on an eight-year extension worth $9.85 million per season.
"I wanted something fair, but I also didn't want to handcuff my team," Seguin said. "I want to win, that's my No. 1 priority. You want to be well off financially, but you also want to have a cap with a team that can be successful. That's a lot of what (GM) Jim (Nill) and I talked about. With our division, we need that room."

No. 47 Alexander Radulov, RW

Age:32
Cap hit: $6.25 million | Signed through 2021-22
How acquired: Signed as a free agent on July 3, 2017
Radulov was the team's big free-agent signing in the summer of 2017, and he made a big impact last season, tallying 72 points (27 goals, 45 assists) while playing primarily on a line with Seguin and Benn. Radulov produced both at even strength and on the power play. He led the team in high-danger chances 5-on-5 and ranked third in all situations, according to naturalstattrick.com. The only drawback was he led the Stars and ranked third in the league with 36 minor penalties, but overall he brought energy and production. Still, team goals were not met.
"We are definitely not happy the way we finished last year," Radulov said. "This year we are going to regroup, and hopefully we are going to make the playoffs. We want to be there, and that's the goal. We'll go from there."

No. 13 Mattias Janmark, LW

Age:25
Cap hit:$2.3 million | Signed through 2018-19
How acquired: Via trade from Detroit along with defenseman Mattias Backman and a second-round pick in 2015 in exchange for forward Erik Cole and a conditional third-round pick in 2015 on March 1, 2015
Janmark had a strong 2017-18 season as he returned from a rare knee condition that kept him out all of 2016-17. He ranked fourth on the Stars last season with 19 goals while playing 81 games. There were a lot of questions surrounding Janmark coming into last season due to the uncertainty with the knee, but he believes that is behind him and he is looking forward to taking steps forward this season.
"Last year was tough," Janmark said, "not only the start of camp but the end of camp and the start of the season. I couldn't really look further last season, but this season I can be harder on myself to try to get better and look more long term. It's a different way, my knee feels good, and I can approach this year in a different way."

No. 90 Jason Spezza, C

Age:35
Cap hit:$7.5 million | Signed through 2018-19
How acquired: Via trade from Ottawa along with left wing Ludwig Karlsson in exchange for forwards Alex Chiasson, Alex Guptill, Nick Paul and a second-round pick in 2015 on July 1, 2014
Spezza is coming off a rough season. He struggled to find a role under coach Ken Hitchcock in 2017-18, saw his minutes drop, and tallied just 26 points (8 goals, 18 assists) in 78 games, the worst numbers he has put up in a full season in his NHL career. But the Stars and Spezza both are hoping he can find a consistent role, bounce back, and produce under new head coach Jim Montgomery.
"I'm here to play," Spezza said. "I've produced my whole life, and I want to do that again. I don't want to just hang around for intangibles and being a good locker room guy. I'm here to produce - that's what I expect of myself."

No. 43 Valeri Nichushkin, RW

Age:23
Cap hit:$2.95 million | Signed through 2019-20
How acquired: Drafted first round (10th overall) in 2013
Nichushkin returns to the Stars after two years in the KHL where he recorded 51 points (27 goals, 24 assists) in 86 games. Nichushkin showed promise during his rookie season with the Stars in 2013-14, but he missed most of the next season due to hip surgery and then had his ups and downs the next season as he came back from the injury. He left for Russia after that and expressed displeasure with his ice time under then-coach Lindy Ruff. Now, he's back looking for a fresh start under Montgomery.
"I think we have an even better player coming back. He's more mature," said Stars GM Jim Nill. "He's 6-4, he can skate, and he's a bull on the puck."

No. 15 Blake Comeau, LW/RW

Age:32
Cap hit:$2.4 million | Signed through 2020-21
How acquired: Signed as a free agent on July 1, 2018
Comeau was one of the Stars' key offseason acquisitions this summer, signing a three-year, $7.2 million contract in free agency on July 1. He's coming off a solid season with Colorado where he tallied 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) in 78 games. He's a good penalty killer, brings a physical game and can provide some depth scoring. Montgomery used him both in the top six and on the third line in the preseason.
"He's versatile," said Nill. "He can play up and down the lineup. You can put him on the top line, and he can complement the top line, and you can put him on the third line, and he can be a very responsible player. We just think he is a good fit."

No. 12 Radek Faksa, C

Age:24
Cap hit: $2.2 million | Signed through 2019-20
How acquired:Drafted first round (13th overall) in 2012
Faksa is coming off an excellent season, scoring a career-high 17 goals and establishing himself as one of the top defensive forwards in the league. He saw plenty of time against the opposition's top forwards last season and still was on the ice for just 1.51 goals against per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 -- third-best among forwards in the NHL with 60 games or more. He also improved in the faceoff circle, winning 51.6 percent of his draws. He finished seventh in the voting for the Selke Trophy, which goes to the NHL's top defensive forward.
"Coaches and other people around the league are starting to understand who he is," Nill said. "You talk to other players and other teams; he's not a fun guy to play against. He's getting the tough matchup. He's going against the best players, and the best players know it is not going to be an easy night."

No. 18 Tyler Pitlick, RW

Age:26
Cap hit:$1 million | Signed through 2019-20
How acquired:Signed as a free agent on July 1, 2017
A free agent signing in the summer of 2017, Pitlick turned out to be what the Stars had hoped. After being slowed by injuries early in his career, Pitlick was healthy last season and produced, tallying 14 goals in 80 games and becoming a mainstay on the right wing with Faksa. His skating and puck pursuit game should be a good fit in Montgomery's system.
"We got what we wanted from him last year and probably a little bit more," Nill said. "And the good thing is I think there is still more yet. I think there is still some more growth there. I think he got a comfort level with our team and playing with Radek Faksa. He adds a lot to our team."

No. 17 Devin Shore, C/LW

Age:24
Cap hit:$2.3 million | Signed through 2019-20
How acquired:Drafted second round (61st overall) in 2012
Shore's second full season in the NHL was a mixed bag. He tallied 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 82 games, down slightly from the point production in his rookie season. His even-strength scoring went down, but his production on the power play went up. The number that stood out was his minus-30 rating, which was the worst on the team and tied for sixth-worst in the league. But the Stars see a lot of positives in Shore, who signed a two-year contract worth $2.3 million per season during the summer, and think he'll be a good fit in the new system.

No. 24 Roope Hintz, C/LW

Age:21
Cap hit:$811,667 | Signed through 2019-20
How acquired:Drafted second round (49th overall) in 2015
Hintz came into camp as a guy expected to push for a roster spot, and he succeeded thanks to a strong showing over the final few preseason games. Hintz, who brings a mix of size, speed, and skill, scored three goals in six exhibition games. Last season was the Finnish forward's first in North America, and he scored 20 goals in 70 games for the Texas Stars and tallied 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 22 playoff games as Texas advanced to the AHL's Calder Cup Finals.
"We challenged him to come into camp and push for a spot. I think he's done that," Nill said. "He's been impactful in games. He has a lot of different skillsets whether it's his speed or his size. Now, his big thing is adapting to the game up here."

No. 25 Brett Ritchie, RW

Age: 25
Cap hit:$1.75 million | Signed through 2018-19
How acquired:Drafted second round (44th overall) in 2011
After scoring 16 goals in 2016-17, Ritchie scored just seven last season in 71 games last season. His minutes were down, and he struggled to find a consistent role. Still, the chances were there. Ritchie led the Stars in high-danger chances per 60 minutes, but cashing in was a different story. The Stars are looking for Ritchie to rebound.
"Brett Ritchie had a tough year last year," Nill said. "I think he is going to bounce back and can add to our scoring."

No. 16 Jason Dickinson, C, LW

Age:23
Cap hit: $875,000 | Signed through 2018-19
How acquired: Drafted first round (29th overall) in 2013
Dickinson came into camp on the bubble for a roster spot and earned one with a strong performance, especially in preseason games. Last season was an up and down one for Dickinson, who was involved in 17 transactions as he was shuffled between Dallas and the AHL's Texas Stars. He was superb in the AHL where he put up good numbers and helped Texas to the Calder Cup Finals, but he struggled in the NHL. Still, the Stars rewarded him with a one-year, one-way contract. It was a shot of confidence and an opportunity for Dickinson.
"This year I feel they obviously believe in me," Dickinson said. "They've given me the one-year contract to show my stuff and put it all out there. I think I've have taken the reins now and I am not leaving it up to anyone else, it's now on me. It's me fighting for my career."

No. 46 Gemel Smith, C/LW

Age:24
Cap hit:$720,000 | Signed through 2018-19
How acquired:Drafted fourth round (104th overall) in 2012
Smith was among the players fighting for a roster spot coming into this season, and he prevailed. Smith, who spent his first full season in the NHL in 2017-18, played well at times last season and recorded 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 46 games. He went to salary arbitration over the summer and ended up with a one-year, one-way contract worth $720,000.
"If he is going to play in those roles, the energy and compete levels are important. He's brought that," Nill said. "He came to camp, and we had to make some tough decisions. We asked the players to make it hard on us, and they made it hard on us. In the end, he's won out as one of those bottom three or four guys, and he's made the roster right now. If he continues to play the way he has, he'll continue to be one of those players."

DEFENSEMEN

No. 3 John Klingberg, RD

Age:26
Cap hit: $4.25 million | Signed through 2021-22
How acquired: Drafted fifth round (131st overall) in 2010
Klingberg had an impressive 2017-18 season, tying for second in scoring among NHL defensemen with 67 points (eight goals, 59 assists) in 82 games and leading all NHL blueliners in total assists, primary assists, and even-strength points (44). He set a career-high by averaging 24:04 of ice time. Defensively, Klingberg was on the ice for 1.81 goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five, fourth best among NHL defensemen with 1,000 minutes or more played last season. He finished sixth in the voting for the Norris Trophy, which goes to the league's top defenseman. He believes the team can thrive under Montgomery's style of play.
"I love the way [Montgomery] thinks the game. It's pretty modern. We can see there is so much speed and skill in the game these days," Klingberg said. "I think we learned a lot last year from [Ken Hitchcock] playing defense, so if we can bring in that and play better with the puck and create more chances, we are going to be a tough team to beat."

No. 23 Esa Lindell, LD

Age:24
Cap hit: $2.2 million | Signed through 2018-19
How acquired:Drafted third round (74th overall) in 2012
Lindell took some big steps forward last season while playing with Klingberg on the Stars' top defense pair, recording 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists) and a plus-19 rating in 80 games. He played both sides of special teams and ranked second on the Stars with 22:05 of ice time per game. There's nothing fancy about Lindell. He's just a good, steady defenseman who gets the job done.
"Really good mind for the game, moves the puck, simplifies the game but very effective and very efficient," said Montgomery. "I knew he was good, but I didn't know he was this good."

No. 4 Miro Heiskanen, LD/RD

Age: 19
Cap hit:$894,166 | Signed through 2020-21
How acquired: Drafted first round (third overall) in 2017
The highly-touted Heiskanen has lived up to the hype at times this preseason as he prepares to make his NHL debut. The young Finnish defenseman has shown flashes of why the Stars selected him with the third overall pick in 2017 with his skating, passing, defensive play, and high hockey IQ. There have been a few bumps, but the tools are all there, and the Stars believe the 19-year-old is on the path to be something special.
"You are looking at a future star in this league," Montgomery said. "We are excited about where he can go. How quickly he can get there, we are going to monitor that. He's professional and very mature for a 19-year-old. I think he is going to go a long way."

No. 33 Marc Methot, LD

Age:33
Cap hit:$4.9 million | Signed through 2018-19
How acquired:Via trade from Vegas in exchange for G Dylan Ferguson and a second-round pick in 2020 on June 26, 2017
Methot was one of the Stars' key acquisitions heading into last season, but he was slowed by a knee injury and missed more than half the season. When he was in the lineup he played well, posting a plus-11 rating in 36 games and was on the ice for just 12 goals during 552:30 of 5-on-5 time or 1.30 goals per 60 minutes. He'll bring some veteran leadership to a young defense.
"He's a really good defenseman. His ability to communicate, his ability to control the defensive zone and then his ability to transition pucks on offense is going to be a big part of what we do," said Montgomery. "I like the way he sees the game. I like the way he sees the dressing room and how important cohesiveness is."

No. 6 Julius Honka, RD

Age:22
Cap hit:$863,333 | Signed through 2018-19
How acquired:Drafted first round (14th overall) in 2014
The slick-skating, highly-skilled Honka seems poised to finally get a bigger role in the NHL after a little taste here and a little taste there the past couple of years. Honka spent most of last season in the NHL, but he played in only 46 games and in a limited role under Hitchcock. This season there appears to be an opportunity for more with the way Montgomery wants to play, and Honka wants to make the most of the opportunity.
"I think the biggest thing is I want to be myself more. I really haven't had a chance to bring my best out of me yet," Honka said. "I want to get the confidence back and play the offensive style of game that I do. It's nothing too much, just play and, of course, pay attention to those little details. Just enjoy and play, kind of go with the flow."

No. 5 Connor Carrick, RD

Age:24
Cap hit:$1.3 million | Signed through 2018-19
How acquired:Via trade from Toronto in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2019 on Monday
With Stars defenseman Stephen Johns heading to injured reserve to start the season, Nill decided to dip into the trade market to acquire Carrick from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The right-handed shooting Carrick has played 167 games with both Toronto and Washington, so he will add some NHL experience to the Dallas blue line and give them some extra insurance if injuries mount. More important, the Stars like how Carrick plays.
"He plays the style Jim Montgomery wants to play. He skates well, he's a good puck mover, and he's competitive," Nill said. "I've heard great things about his character. I think he is just a good fit for us."

No. 45 Roman Polak, RD

Age:32
Cap hit:$1.3 million | Signed through 2018-19
How acquired: Signed as a free agent July 1, 2018
The Stars signed Polak in the offseason to add some veteran depth to a young defense. Polak, who has played 688 NHL games with St. Louis, San Jose, and Toronto, is a physical defensive defenseman who can throw some hits, block some shots and kill some penalties.
"He's someone who can move people off of pucks, he's someone who can win a lot of battles, and he's someone who can give you energy because of the way he wins his battles," said Montgomery.

GOALTENDERS

No. 30 Ben Bishop

Age:31
Cap hit:$4.917 million | Signed through 2022-23
How acquired:Via trade from Los Angeles for a fourth-round pick in 2017 on May 9, 2017
Bishop played well in his first season with the Stars, posting a 26-17-5 record, 2.49 goals against average and .916 save percentage and was key in helping the team as it ranked sixth in the league in goals against. But he suffered a knee injury in early March when defenseman Dan Hamhuis fell on him, missed five games, came back and was injured again, missing the rest of the season. He'll be key to the Stars' success this season and his ability to handle the puck should fit well with Montgomery's style of play.
"I've already got the term "Bish-up." Instead of a quick-up, it's going to be a Bish-up," Montgomery said. "The forwards, if he has the puck and he's facing up-ice, take off, because he's as good as passing the puck as defensemen are."

No. 35 Anton Khudobin

Age:32
Cap hit: $2.5 million | Signed through 2019-20
How acquired:Signed as a free agent July 1, 2018
The Stars moved on from long-time goaltender Kari Lehtonen this offseason and brought in Khudobin, who has played 147 NHL games with Minnesota, Carolina, Anaheim, and Boston. Last season with the Bruins, he was 16-6-7 with a 2.56 goals against average and a .913 save percentage. He's a proven NHL backup who also brings some personality to the team.
"He's a veteran, being around the league a long time," Nill said. "He's done a great job in Boston the past couple of years, and we think he's going to be a great addition for our goaltending moving forward."

INJURED RESERVE

No. 28 Stephen Johns, RD

Age:26
Cap hit:$2.35 million | Signed through 2020-21
How acquired:Via trade from Chicago along with right wing Patrick Sharp in exchange for defenseman Trevor Daley and forward Ryan Garbutt on July 10, 2015
Johns, who will start this season on injured reserve with post-traumatic headaches, is coming off a strong 2017-18 campaign, recording 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) and a plus-10 rating in 75 games. His eight goals tied Klingberg for the team lead. He led the Stars in both hits (201) and blocked shots (155) while logging 17:55 of ice time per game. It was a breakthrough year for Johns and, once healthy, he should be a big part of the Dallas defense this season.
"I think last year was huge," Johns said. "I think I got my confidence back. I learned how to play the game at the NHL level and play at a consistent level and how you have to prepare for every game the same way. It's a grind, but everybody has gone through the same grind, so you can't complain or look down on yourself because you've got to play every other day pretty much."

#

No. 11 Martin Hanzal, C

Age:31
Cap hit:$4.75 million | Signed through 2019-20
How acquired:Signed as a free agent July 1, 2017
Hanzal was one of the Stars' big offseason signings in the summer of 2017, but he really never had the chance to make an impact due to a variety of injuries that limited him to just 38 games. Hanzal underwent spinal fusion surgery in March, and the Stars have estimated that he could be ready to return around late November or early December if all goes well.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mark Stepneski has covered the Stars for DallasStars.com since 2012. Follow him on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.