Don Sweeney, D (FA-Bos); Teppo Numminen, D (Trade-Pho); Rob Valicevic, RW (FA-Ana)
In just one season as a starter, Marty Turco established himself among the NHL's elite netminders.
Turco posted a 31-10-10 mark en route to a modern-day league record 1.72 goals-against average last season. He led the NHL with a .932 save percentage and finished second to the New Jersey Devils' Martin Brodeur in voting for the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goalie.
But during the Stars' playoff run, Turco's play came into question.
At times it looked like the playoff pressure was getting the better of the Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., native. In both the first and second rounds, Turco allowed soft goals at inopportune moments, and some began to wonder whether he had ability to elevate his game in key situations.
To his credit, Turco always seemed to bounce back after bad games. And remember, he's only 24 years old; he'll only get better.
Backing up Turco is veteran Ron Tugnutt.
After a shocking loss to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the playoffs, the Stars shuffled their roster in the offseason. Gone are Derian Hatcher and Darryl Sydor -- mainstays of past Stars' squads. Hatcher signed with Detroit. Sydor became part of the deal that landed Teppo Numminen in Dallas.
While Hatcher's signing with the rival Red Wings received most of the press, the loss of Sydor may prove to be more costly. In addition to being among the league's top offensive defencemen, Sydor's defensive skills were sorely underrated. The Stars are hoping to fill the void with Nummimen, who is coming off one of his worst NHL seasons, and free agent Don Sweeny.
Under first-year coach Dave Tippett, the usually defence-obsessed Stars opened up on offence and finishing with 30 more goals than the previous season. Overall, Dallas was seventh in the NHL in goal scoring.
As has been the case for the last decade, Mike Modano paced the Stars' attack. If Modano can stay healthy, 80 points is a sure thing. Including last year, Modano has topped the 80-point plateau eight times in his career.
Overall, the Stars' offence is deep -- featuring six players who reached the 20-goal mark last season -- but there are also some big question marks.
Is Bill Guerin healthy? Will Pierre Turgeon rebound from a sub-par season? Will Jason Arnott finally put all the facets of his game together and become the dominating forward scouts believe he can be?
Guerin missed the Stars' last 18 games due to a serious thigh injury that required surgery. At the time, some believed that the injury would force the gritty forward into retirement. Guerin says he's fully recovered. If he is, it will be huge boost.
When healthy, Guerin is one of the most dynamic shooters in the game. Before getting hurt, he had 25 goals and 25 assists in 64 games.
