Don’t get me wrong: this article is in fact about the age of the Dallas Stars. However, maybe not in the way you would assume. Hockey in Dallas is definitely on the upside. The Winter Classic comes to Dallas this season. Dallas hosted the NHL Draft in 2018. The Stars run in the playoffs has the city buzzing. Victory Green drapes fans all over the city.

But this article is more literal. The age of the roster intrigues me. You have a nearly perfect balance of veterans and young guns. Some say, a tad too much of a veteran presence. Now let’s take a look at the seesaw of a roster taking the ice in the Dallas this season.

The Dirty Thirties

First we need to go over the veterans. Joe Pavelski signed with Dallas via free agency this off season. Instantly that puts the former captain of the Sharks at the top of the age bracket. Pavelski will take the ice at 35 years old this season. Joe Pavelski brings a new tier of scoring to the second line.

Another free agent sliding into the lineup is Corey Perry. At 34, Perry is a constant pest. Bouncing back off an injury ridden 2018-19 season, Perry recently stated he is 100 percent and ready to go. Look for Perry top bring a veteran presence unlike any other. Aside from a legitimate scoring threat, Perry will disturb any and all superstars across the league.

Jamie Benn enters the 2019 NHL campaign as a fresh 30 year old captain. Look for Benn’s numbers to spike as he now has new weapons to take pressure of the top line. Dallas’s theoretical top right-winger is Alexander Radulov, also in his thirties. Radulov skates into the upcoming season at 33 years of age. Again, watch for Radulov’s numbers to jump with the new additions to the roster this off-season.

The additions of Pavelski and Perry takes eyes off the top line. So, the talent is evenly spread from top to bottom.

It is unfair to talk about the Dirty Thirties crew without mentioning the anchors in the crease. Ben Bishop takes the ice at 32 years of age. Bishop, a Vezina Trophy finalist, was the sole reason Dallas lasted 2 overtimes in game 7 against the St. Louis Blues.

It is hard to understand the maintenance a NHL goalie undergoes. Now pair that with the wear and tear on a 32 year old man. Bishop has not always been healthy, but it is not for a lack of effort. Bishop gives you everything on a nightly basis.

Speaking of Bishop being healthy, Anton Khudobin is ready and willing to carry this team at the drop of a hat. Dobby gives you a back up presence the Dallas Stars lacked for years. However, Dobby is not a picture of youth. At 33 years of age, Anton Khudobin is actually older than Ben Bishop. However, that doesn’t show on the ice. The crease is Dobby’s domain when Bishop needs rest, or hits the injured-reserve.

It is plain to see that the veteran presence is there. Now it is time to see the mid card boys.

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I am a retired softball legend and an unrestricted beer league hockey free agent. I swing sticks for fun on the ice and links and am constantly feeding my YouTube addiction. I am forever grateful to the state of Minnesota for their hockey team in 1994 and more grateful for the Dallas Stars Stanley Cup in 1999.