The Dallas Stars realize they have an opportunity to go all the way in the 2023-24 season. That is a major reason why the Stars pulled off a trade with the Calgary Flames that saw them landing veteran defenseman Chris Tanev.
The trade will see the Stars sending prospect Artem Grushnikov, a 2024 second-round pick, a conditional third-round selection in 2026 to Calgary for Tanev. As part of the transaction, the Flames will retain 50% of Tanev’s salary and cap hit, while the other 50% will fall onto the New Jersey Devils, who received a 2026 fourth-round pick from Dallas in exchange.
Tanev appeared in 56 games this season, contributing with one goal and 13 assists for a total of 14 points. He is currently in the final year of his four-year, $18 million contract.
The move provides a big boost for the Stars’ blue line, which was a major point of concern in an otherwise outstanding campaign. Tanev has been a reliable defenseman throughout his career and is known as a great locker-room presence. He is expected to be tasked with a significant role, especially considering the questionable status of injured Nils Lundkvis and Jani Hakanpaa still not being fully fit after recovering from an injury of his own.
The Stars have shown this season that their run to the Conference Finals last year wasn’t an accident. They are currently sitting second in the Central Division with 79 points, the same as the leading Winnipeg Jets.
