Julius Honka hasn’t fit in with Dallas as well as he or the team had hoped. It now appears that the Stars are ready to move on from him. Matthew DeFranks of the Dallas Morning News reports that Dallas is trying to trade the defenseman.
While it appeared that the 2014 first-rounder would get a chance to establish himself as a full-time NHL player with Stephen Johns’ concussion ultimately costing him the entire season, the exact opposite happened. He was in and out of the lineup early on and never really got much going. Eventually, head coach Jim Montgomery decided that he’d seen enough and Honka was made a healthy scratch for the final 35 games of the regular season as well as all 13 postseason contests.
Although it’s certainly possible that they could carry eight defensemen next season and keep the 23-year-old on the roster to avoid losing him for nothing, the more ideal scenario for both sides is likely a clean break, much like they did a few years ago when Jamie Oleksiak was in a similar situation. He got more of a chance in Pittsburgh and GM Jim Nill ultimately made a trade to bring him back last season.
While Honka’s trade value is far from at its peak, he’s still likely viewed as someone with some upside and while he’s a restricted free agent, his contract shouldn’t come in much higher than his $874K qualifying offer. The fact that he’s a right-handed shot should also help his value. There won’t be a huge market for his services but getting something for him now over sitting him for long stretches or risk losing him for nothing on waivers is probably the lesser of two evils for Nill and the Stars at this point.
sweetg
If someone is signing people like del zotto. would rather give this guy a shot if it does not cost much.
bigdaddyt
I’m sure most teams with a need for a RD would be kicking tires on this one. Feel like a minor prospect and a mid draft pick like a 3rd/4th rounded would get it done.
jdgoat
Man he’s been a big disappointment. I remember all the hype he had before his draft year
2weeks
going to be a ranger
riverrat55
Few years he had an upside lack on playing time and inconsistent performances have hurt his stock , maybe a move to another team with his salary say Winnipeg, maybe Rangers for a pair of lower draft picks over next year or so , with change of scenery and quality play , there maybe some upside in Honka,
aberdeen101
If I’m JR, I’d make a run at him for the Pens.
66TheNumberOfTheBest
How far has his stock fallen? Could the Pens get him for the cheaper Jusso Rikola? Or is Honka not enough good enough for that.
Can’t remember ever seeing him play. And I have seen Stars games. Which doesn’t bode well.
66TheNumberOfTheBest
Seems like a Kevin Chevaldayoff type of guy, though.
NoRegretzkys
Leafs could also use some more depth on the right side. Barrie, Ceci, Marincin and Liljegren seems to be their RHD depth chart. Honka could give more time for Liljegren to develop. Honka is still on a cheap deal, could easily be squeezed into the cap structure with Toronto.
pawtucket
^ there are other teams not named Toronto that would pay more for a RD. You realize that right?
riverrat55
I agree would rather see what Liljegren can do , with Leafs we need to see what the young ones can do. Don’t see fit for Honka with him in Toronto. seen a few Marlie games this past season on NHL Network and liked Liljegren.
Modified_6
Isn’t Marincin a lefty?
bigdaddyt
Ya he is a lefty maybe was thinking about the other guy who sat in the press box for darn near 80 games In Justin Holl
manos
Honka seems like the kind of guy a couple of rebuilding clubs would take a flyer on. Maybe Detroit, Edmonton or LA. Just as long as Nill realizes he isn’t getting anything more than maybe a third or fourth round pick. He shot himself in the foot as far as trade value goes by letting Montgomery sit him for 48 straight games.
RockHard
Honks is a terrific skater and he has some big offensive upside. He never saw the ice bc he loses board battles and gets pushed around by the net. His offensive game never materialized into points and every coach he’s had in pro sees him as a defensive liability so this he eats nachos..
RockHard
Thus*
riverrat55
The JETS !!!!! for Honka,