After Tyler Seguin contract speculation hit the news again recently with a report the two sides hadn’t discussed an extension in some time, he addressed media today about the situation. Speaking to reporters including The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, Seguin expressed his disappointment that he hasn’t already signed a long-term deal with the Dallas Stars and indicated the two sides haven’t spoken about an extension since the draft. Seguin is in Toronto at the BioSteel camp with many other top NHL stars, and will be heading into the final season of his current contract when he reports to Stars training camp in a few weeks.
There is bound to be almost daily updates on the Seguin situation if the team doesn’t get him under contract before the season begins, and like John Tavares last year there will be a real pressure to trade him if nothing can get done. The team can’t watch a superstar center walk into free agency without getting something in return, but the Stars are hoping to compete for the playoffs this season and Seguin is a huge part of their success. One of the most consistent offensive players in the league, Seguin is coming off his fifth consecutive season with at least 70 points and his first with 40 goals. Improving defensive play has turned him into a legitimate top tier center in the NHL, and one that would demand upwards of $10MM per season on any extension.
That might be too rich for the Stars, but it would mean letting one of the faces of the franchise get away in his prime. Though Seguin has only been in Dallas for five of his eight NHL seasons, he’s one of the most popular players in the market and an obvious choice to give a long-term contract to. He does come with some controversy from his days with the Boston Bruins, but hasn’t found himself in the news very often since heading to the Stars other than for his incredible on-ice performance.
The Stars were recently linked once again to Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson, who would also be looking for a massive extension if he was acquired at any point this season. Paying both Karlsson and Seguin might be impossible for the Stars, even with the relative bargain of John Klingberg’s current deal. While it’s not clear what exactly is holding up any contract extension talks between the Stars and Seguin, they’ll have to make a decision before long and work out a deal with him before the allure of free agency becomes even more attractive.
If they let him walk when he wants to be here, it may be time for me to walk away from the team.
Sounds like you aren’t a Dallas Stars fan in the first place. Sounds like your a Seguin fan. Nothing wrong with it either
If Jim Nill can’t get him re-signed he’s going to get fired. He should be motivated to compromise and make a deal. His job depends on it..
So Seguin is open to negotiations and Nill hasn’t spoken to him in months? How does he have a job?
Agreed