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3 things the Dallas Stars can do to get to the 2020 Stanley Cup

By C.L. Kohuss

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 31: Dallas Stars center Jason Spezza (90) skates by a hole in the glass during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Montreal Canadiens on December 31, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 31: Dallas Stars center Jason Spezza (90) skates by a hole in the glass during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Montreal Canadiens on December 31, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – MAY 5: Mats Zuccarello #36 of the Dallas Stars handles the puck against Jaden Schwartz #17 of the St. Louis Blues in Game Six of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on May 5, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – MAY 5: Mats Zuccarello #36 of the Dallas Stars handles the puck against Jaden Schwartz #17 of the St. Louis Blues in Game Six of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on May 5, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images) /

1. For the love of God, re-sign Mats Zuccarello

Acquired from the New York Rangers at the trade deadline for a host of conditional picks and other variables, Mats Zuccarello only played in one regular season game for Dallas before breaking his arm while simultaneously winning our hearts in the process.

In 15 total games (13 in the postseason), he scored five goals and 14 points. His effect on various lines was evident as the opposition could no longer key on a single combination. He also had a major impact on elevating the play of Hintz.

This should be a no-brainer from a management standpoint, despite the fact that Dallas would be losing a 2020 first round pick to the Rangers by signing him to an extension. The only question would be terms and contract length. And also whether or not Zuccarello wants to remain in Dallas or test other pastures, though his exit interview sounded pretty positive as far as his stance on staying with the current club.

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If the Stars can’t keep him? *Gulp* They’re going to be in serious trouble. As stated already, Hintz and Dickinson look like major players going forward, but they still could be a couple of years from really hitting their stride. Zuccarrello is the extra mosquito keeping defenses from swatting down a one-line team.

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