Dallas Stars Offense Outlook Without Tyler Seguin

There’s no definite timetable on when Tyler Seguin will return to the lineup. Whatever the case may be, how might the Dallas Stars look without him?

The Dallas Stars have fallen into an injury issue even before the start of training camp. Forward Tyler Seguin has a hairline fracture in his heel that may postpone his 2016-17 NHL season début.

The Stars are not new to the world of hockey without Seguin due to injury, but his absence definitely has an impact.

Offensive Production

The most obvious influence of a Seguin-less line-up is the decrease in scoring the Dallas Stars experience. Seguin put up 73 points last season and has averaged 1.05 points per game during his time as a Star.

That means the Stars lose potentially a goal a game when No. 91 isn’t on the ice and in a league where scoring is central to success that influence is large.

He also makes the players around him better, most notably Jamie Benn. The duo of Benn and Seguin has flourished since Seguin joined the club back in 2013 and Benn isn’t the same player when the other half of his duo isn’t playing.

Special Teams

Seguin is also an important piece of the Dallas Stars’ power play. No. 91 is guaranteed to be on the power play for the Stars because of his speed and skill with the puck. Seguin has one of the best shots on the team and can stun opponents.

Power plays are a big part of the NHL because they can effectively change games. A successful power play is something every team wants and the Stars have a better shot at scoring when Seguin is on the ice for the man advantage.

Although he doesn’t participate on the penalty kill most of the time, Seguin’s special team influence is something the Stars miss when he sits out.

Opposition’s Mentality

When it comes to professional sports player’s mental strength is nearly as important as their physical strength. When an opposing team or coach is looking at Dallas’ line-up it’s a lot more intimidating with Seguin than without.

Benn and Seguin as a duo makes opposing teams scared because their line is dangerous, but so is Spezza’s. The combination of those two effectively gives the Stars two first lines, but without No. 91 the Stars’ lines aren’t nearly as intimidating.

Moving Forward

Seguin is undoubtedly a valuable asset for the Dallas Stars and they aren’t the same without him in the line-up. Nonetheless, they may be without the young center at the start of the new season and they’ll have to power through.

Hopefully Seguin will join his teammates on the ice for training camp in a few days, but if not he’s certain to make an immediate impact when he returns to the line-up.