Stars Midseason Stock Report, Part 1

Forwards

Kirill Kaprizov: Needs improvement

The team’s MVP from last season hasn’t been able to meet last year’s performance, as he’s 5th on the team in points, goals, and assists despite leading in ice time. He’s -14 and just hasn’t clicked with new linemate Nikita Kucherov, so he could see his role change in the second half.

Nikita Kucherov: Needs improvement

Now in his second season off of major hip surgery in 2021, Kucherov has been scoring more than he did last season. But the top line has been getting outplayed and the expectation is for Kucherov to play like the former RHL Hart Trophy Winner he is. 37 points in 47 games is good, but not the PPG output the Stars hope to get after the All Star Break.

Jack Eichel: Needs improvement

It says a lot that every member of the Stars’ top line is in the “needs improvement” category, but the most deserving is Eichel. For the third straight season he’s failed to live up to his $10M cap it, scoring just 19 points in 18:38 ice time. He’s been strong on the penalty kill, but he could be centering a new line in the coming weeks if the Stars want a shake up.

Joe Pavelski: Exceeding expectations

With the top line struggling, Pavelski’s kept the team in the playoff race and is the midseason MVP. His 40 points lead the team, 14 from goals and 26 via assist. He’s won an absurd 55.7% of faceoffs while leading the team as an alternate captain. If the Stars shake their top line up at the All Star Break, don’t be surprised to see Pavelski get moved up there.

Jeff Skinner: Exceeding expectations

Skinner’s 39 points trail Pavelski by just one to lead the team, already exceeding his 33 point output over 82 games last year. He’s clicked as the center of the third line as well as returning as a presence on the power play.

William Nylander: Meeting expectations

After a down 2022-23 season, Nylander has returned to form this year. He’s fourth on the team with 35 points and looks like someone who could raise his game even higher after the All Star Break.

Jesper Bratt: Meeting expectations

Bratt signed a massive 8 year, $63M extension in the offseason that had fans scratching their heads. But he’s lived up to the deal, potting 15 goals to go with 14 assists.

Brandon Tanev: Exceeding expectations

Motor is the heart and soul of this team, playing man hockey while still contributing offensively. He’s been the glue of the second line with Pavelski and Nylander, and he’s second on the team with 101 hits.

Logan O’Connor: Exceeding expectations

O’Connor surprisingly beat out Kyle Okposo for the third line winger job in training camp, and the fit has been perfect. While he’s only put up 11 points, the line with Skinner and Bratt is thriving with LOC’s physical element.

Kyle Okposo: Meeting expectations

Okposo’s had a weird year-he’s tied for 7th on the team with 10 goals, but on an unsustainable 33.3% shot percentage while also having just 2 assists. He has contributed on the PK, but age may be catching up to him.

Mason Shaw: Exceeding expectations
The Stars first tried out Darren Helm’s corpse and Reese Johnson on the fourth line, but were seeing no offense whatsoever. Longtime Stars prospect Shaw was given an opportunity and ran with it; sparking some life and hustle into the team.

Zemgus Girgensons: Meeting expectations

Girgensons has done about as well as you can ask from a 12th forward, scoring 9 points and laying twice as many hits as he takes.