With Zuccarello's injury, will he be able to return in time for the playoffs (assuming we get in), and if he doesn't return prior to the playoffs beginning, is he eigible to return during the playoffs? Also do you believe DAL intends to spend big in FA with their cap space? -- @SpinnerHall
Heika: I do think Mats Zuccarello will play for the Stars in the playoffs, and I do think the Stars and Zuccarello will get a chance to study whether they can continue their relationship. Zuccarello will be 32 before the start of next season, so do you offer a four-year extension? A five-year extension? Does he prefer the East Coast? There is a lot to talk out, and a lot to be discovered in the next month or two.
As for free agent spending, the Stars have the chance to spend if they want to.
Jason Spezza ($7.5 million) and
Marc Methot ($4.9 million) will likely come off the books, so there will be money available.
Tyler Seguin will get $4 million more, and other players need raises, but I think the Stars can play in the top six forward market if they want to.