Six Dallas Stars cap bargains to consider.

Over the last couple years the Dallas Stars have been an excellent source for new multi-category producers. These newcomers have been given favorable opportunities as a result of the team’s youth movement that even saw the departure of long-time captain Brenden Morrow last year. And when opportunities present themselves sometimes you can find some surprise fantasy hockey gems.

In cap leagues it is possible to own multi-category studs that have a bargain cap hit. A player’s ability to produce points is a significant factor in his cost. Thus, players that provide less offensive impact but dominate in categories such as hits and PIM can offer excellent bang for your buck. Combining cheaper physical monsters along with more expensive scoring stars can give you the best of both worlds and allow you to have success in every category.

Today we will look at several of the Stars’ high-end multi-category producers as well as some options down on the team’s AHL affiliate who could be next in line to make the jump to the NHL. All of them are cap-friendly at the moment. Find out which ones can continue to offer the goods at a bargain cost in the years to come.

Brendan Dillon ($743,333)

If you missed out on Radko Gudas as a top multi-cat bargain on the blueline, then Dillon is a great alternative. In his two NHL seasons he has produced similar numbers which gives a good picture of what we can expect over a full schedule for the foreseeable future.

Needless to say the peripheral stats are excellent. Dillon’s point totals are enough to not make him a liability in offensive categories and he also shoots often. This makes him a very well-rounded player to own. 

Unfortunately, his play is likely going to earn him a hefty raise. In recent years defensemen have been able to earn larger salaries for solid play in their own end. Look for Dillon to follow in those footsteps. With the rising cap his new deal could very easily pay him north of $3 million.

Cody Eakin ($572,778)

Eakin was acquired in a trade that sent Mike Ribeiro to Washington. Since then he has been excellent in a secondary scoring role for the Stars. His appeal is greater in leagues that count goals, assists, shots, hits, blocks and faceoffs won.

A restricted free agent this summer, Eakin is due for a raise. He is on pace for close to 40 points and is a strong all-around player. Expect his new cap hit to fall in the $2.5-to-$3-million range. At this point his cost will still be fair but no longer a steal.

Ryan Garbutt ($575,000)

Garbutt is a name that has not received a lot of attention but the production has certainly been at a high level. In his first full NHL season at age 28, he has established himself as a strong secondary scorer who also plays a physical game. Thus far his 10 goals, eight assists, 101 shots, 55 PIM, 72 hits and 31 blocks really stand out and make him an asset in multi-category leagues.

In this case, being an older rookie may play against Garbutt as he may not be able to get a large salary this summer. He may be forced to take a bridge contract to prove himself for another year or two. This could greatly benefit poolies as a cost below the million-dollar mark could make him a key depth player for your squad for another couple of years.

Antoine Roussel ($612,500)

Unlike Garbutt, Roussel has received plenty of hype as a coveted player with his emergence as one of the PIM leaders in the NHL. As with many players that play with an edge, he is still trying to find a balance that allows him to play his game without going overboard and hurting his team. This issue recently surfaced as Roussel was scratched on January 9 due to poor discipline.

Meanwhile, his offensive game has translated surprisingly well to the highest level.  This, along with being a good fighter, will help him earn a raise this summer when he becomes a restricted free agent. Look for him to earn less than $2 million which will keep him in cap bargain territory in the coming years.

Curtis McKenzie ($700,000)

Since being mentioned in this column seven weeks ago, McKenzie has raised his play another level taking over the rookie scoring lead in the AHL with 40 points. After a mediocre college career it is surprising to see him adapt so well to the pro game. Granted, he has a lot of talent around him including the two league-leading scorers, Travis Morin and Colton Sceviour. Perhaps he is just good at using his rugged play to fit in next to more skilled players which in turn helps his own point totals.

McKenzie might receive some call-ups to Dallas before the season ends and is certainly in the mix for a depth position next fall. When he does start to get looks in the NHL, the points will probably not translate immediately. The physical play will though. If he continues to overachieve we could have another strong multi-category contributor on our hands sooner rather than later.

Brett Ritchie ($894,167)

Ritchie is a former second-round pick who is developing nicely. In his rookie AHL campaign he has 26 points in 38 contests along with 33 PIM. At just 20 years of age he still needs some seasoning but could start receiving call-ups to the NHL in the near future. In addition to being a potential cap bargain if he can hit his stride in the NHL before long, poolies have the added benefit of Ritchie’s excellent long-term potential as a power forward.

Previously in Capped:

Efficient High-Level Forwards

The Impact of Recent Contract Extensions