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Even though the NHL trade deadline isn’t until March 5, the Dallas Stars decided not to wait to upgrade their roster by acquiring Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci from the San Jose Sharks.
The Stars announced on Saturday that the team acquired Granlund and Ceci from the Sharks in exchange for a 2025 first-round draft pick and a conditional 2025 third-round pick.
Pierre LeBrun @PierreVLeBrun
The 4th turns into a 3rd if Dallas goes to the Cup final https://t.co/0U1Q3Vltze
The Stars advanced to the Western Conference Finals in each of the past two seasons by having one of the most balanced teams in the NHL. They were top eight in goals for and goals allowed in both seasons.
While the defense remains a strength in Dallas with the third-fewest goals allowed per game this season, the offense has been inconsistent. Head coach Peter DeBoer’s team enters Saturday ranked 10th in goals per game.
The unit hasn’t fallen so far that it would be hard to see the Stars competing with the top teams in the West in a playoff series, but it doesn’t hurt to add more scoring power to the front line with Granlund.
It looks even better when you add Ceci into the equation since he can add much-needed depth to the Stars’ ailing defenseman rotation. Miro Heiskanen is out of action with a knee injury suffered in Tuesday’s overtime win over the Vegas Golden Knights, but general manager Jim Nill told LeBrun they’re “pretty optimistic” he will be back for the postseason.
Nill announced on Saturday that Nils Lundkvist had season-ending shoulder surgery. Tyler Seguin was also placed on long-term injured reserve due to a hip injury that required surgery in December with an estimated recovery time of four to six months. He could be back on the ice for the start of the playoffs in April if he’s on the short end of the timeframe.
Granlund was leading the Sharks with 45 points in 52 games this season. Ceci has appeared in all 54 games so far this season. His average ice time per game of 21:46 is on pace to be his most since the 2018-19 campaign.
Both players are set to become free agents after this season and didn’t seem to have a long-term future in San Jose with a rebuilding club, so they get the opportunity to join a Stanley Cup contender for the stretch run.
Dallas is currently in second place in the Central Division with 67 points, eight behind the Winnipeg Jets for the top spot. The Stars are also trying to fight off the Minnesota Wild (66 points) and Colorado Avalanche (62 points).
The Sharks did a good job of adding an extra first-round pick plus a mid-round selection as they continue to fill out their talent pool around 2024 No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini.
