Video: FLA@DAL: Pavelski smacks a loose puck into the net
Pavelski is 37 and in the final year of his contract, so this is a big year for him. He has gotten over the transition from San Jose and now seems firmly entrenched as one of the leaders on the Stars. The addition of his buddy from Wisconsin, Ryan Suter, also should allow Pavelski to be an even bigger voice in the room -- and a good deal of the success the team has this year will depend upon these two veterans.
The guess is Pavelski will start again on the right wing with Hintz and Robertson, and that line could lead the Stars in time on ice. Hintz and Pavelski are strong offensive players who have good defensive habits, so there's a chance they get some key defensive assignments, as well. In addition, Pavelski had some strong chemistry with Alexander Radulov on the power play at the start of last season, and it'll be interesting to see if that special teams magic comes back with the return of No. 47 from injury.
Pavelski is hands-down the team leader in playoff success with 119 points (61 goals, 58 assists) in 161 postseason games, and was the leading scorer among forwards when the Stars made it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020 (13 goals among 19 points in 27 games played), so his presence there also is notable. With Suter signing a four-year contract at age 36, the guess is that this won't be Pavelski's final season in Dallas. Still, you might see that level of desperation from him.
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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika, and listen to his podcast.
