I was going to go right down the roster player by player, but I'll try to be quicker.
In goal, I agree Lehtonen should probably be moved or bought out. His compete level isn't always there. Both guys are inconsistent and let up soft goals, but I always take the guy willing to battle and that's Niemi. Neither is a No. 1.
There may be a trade for a high-end guy, but it will either cost a good prospect or Dallas will need to adopt someone else's salary mistake. If Nichushkin has to be a piece there, he is. Of the free agents, I do like Reimer. He singlehandedly beat the Stars twice and hasn't had much to play behind in Toronto. Similarly though, he's not been an every day starter. I wonder if Nill kicks the tires on Jimmy Howard. There's familiarity there and I think Mrazik is Detroit's goalie of the future.
On the back end, obviously they expect Klingberg to be a huge piece. I think he needs a stronger partner and less ice though. He made a lot of mistakes in the first series and St. Louis neutralized him in the second. To me, Johns was hands-down the best defender all playoffs. He was physical, he moves the puck, and reads well. Give him more ice and see how he handles it. Oduya was adequate and the price is good for veteran stability.
I liked Russell. Yes, he is undersized but he's smart defensively and can move the puck. I'd have liked to see him get more PP time. It clicked when he came in late in the year. I'd try to re-sign him but if the money gets higher, I'd look at Yandle and I've always liked Campbell - if Chicago didn't give him that huge deal and if he wasn't in Florida, he'd be considered elite. That said, they don't offer the size the Stars clearly need against St. Louis or Los Angeles forechecking.
Demers was a huge upgrade last year, but he's best suited 4-6. If reasonable, maybe. If not, he can move on. I wish Goligoski played up front. He's really creative in the offensive zone, but terrible at the offensive blue line and the other zones. I'm ready to move on there. I don't figure Oleksiak, Nemeth, or Benn are a solution or they would be by now. They should audition the kids they have and look for some toughness from elsewhere via trade.
Up front, it was beyond frustrating to watch Ruff's lines at times, a few guys seemingly had nothing to play with. I'd have liked to see Benn, Spezza, and Sharp together more. They're keepers alongside a healthy Seguin - the fluke injuries must be over, right?
Faksa really impressed me in the playoffs. He's big, strong, and smart and seems to be the type of guy you win with. He can be third-line centre. Though Janmark isn't big, he can slot in anywhere - creative and responsible. I look for both of them to thrive and grow. Eaves seems like a good team guy and gets where he needs to be, wouldn't mind him back. I do like Sceviour's energy, but he's not a top six or PP guy at this level. Fiddler is in as a fourth-line centre for his faceoffs and leadership.
Roussel could be that type of hard, agitating player but he makes some bad decisions. If he can be moved for something that helps, great. Otherwise, he's useful. I used to be a huge Eakin fan - and in fairness to him, he's not a top-line forward, but I wonder where he fits at his price. Faksa has become better on the third line and I think bigger, harder wingers are needed. He could go for defence or goaltending. Nichushkin looks promising at times, but I don't like his decision making and he needs to finish more. It wouldn't break my heart to move him. Hemsky is pretty but he'd have to come at a reduced salary and I think a grinder would be better suited there. Moen was the type of player in his prime the Stars needed to beat the Blues, but he's not now.
I'd like to see Ritchie, Dickenson, Shore, McKenzie, and Ranford get a real look at filling holes next year. There's talent there and the savings could help if they need a buyout in net or if a stud D is there. A couple veteran hard-working grinder types wouldn't bother me on the lower lines either if they are bargains.