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Dallas Stars using preseason to build consistency, confidence for Nils Lundkvist

Lundkvist, who had an inconsistent season in 2023-24, is the only defenseman to play in all three preseason games so far.

During last season’s playoff run, it seemed at times like Nils Lundkvist’s run in Dallas was winding down.

The young defenseman and former New York Rangers first-round draft pick had an inconsistent third season in the NHL and second in Dallas. After seeing his season cut short at 60 games in 2022-23, a similar situation occurred in the playoffs when the defenseman was used just four minutes and 28 seconds per game and was ultimately replaced by Alexander Petrovic for the final seven games of the postseason.

But the Stars decided to bring Lundkvist, who was a restricted free agent this summer, back for another season on a one-year, $1.25 million deal. It seemed like one final commitment from the organization to make it work with the Swedish defenseman, whom the Stars traded a first-round pick for two years ago.

“It’s tough to be a defenseman in this league,” Stars defensive assistant coach Alain Nasreddine said after Wednesday’s preseason game. “It takes more time for certain defensemen than others, but it’s going to be a big year.”

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Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist skates against the Vegas Golden Knights during the...
Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist skates against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Dallas. The Golden Knights won 6-1. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)(Julio Cortez / ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Throughout training camp, the Stars have been intentional about how they’re preparing Lundkvist for his fourth season in the NHL. He’s one of just three players in the system — and the only defenseman — to appear in all three preseason games so far. He’s played more than 18 minutes each night, including game-highs of 23:14 against Colorado and 21:42 against Minnesota. Lundkvist didn’t exceed 20 minutes of ice time once last year.

He’s also held a role on the power play. While he started last season quarterbacking the second unit, he lost that responsibility to Thomas Harley but showed he could be useful on special teams if Dallas needs it this year. He had the primary assist on Wyatt Johnston’s power-play goal against Colorado on Monday while also assisting Kyle McDonald’s goal Wednesday.

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“Consistency is what we’re looking for in what he brings to the team,” Nasreddine said. “He brings a different element than a Brendan Smith or Matt Dumba or Esa Lindell. It’s playing to his strengths but being consistent in what he can bring. It’s using his skating, making good plays with the puck, making the easy play but also more effective plays and being consistent with that.”

With the overhaul of personnel on the blue line this offseason, the Stars have begun experimenting with new defensive pairings, which have benefited Lundkvist so far. He’s been able to skate alongside the veteran Lindell, a meat-and-potatoes, defensive-minded leader. So far in practices and during Wednesday night’s game, they’ve complemented each other well.

“I like that,” Lindell said of the new pairing. “I mean, we’ve played together many games already, and I think we can help each other out. He skates so well. I’ve probably said it before, but I see similarities to [John Klingberg], so I’m excited to start working out with him.”

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Based on the first week of camp, it appears the Stars expect Lundkvist to be one of their top six defensemen when the season begins. Despite last season’s challenges, they’re committed to giving him another chance and hope this fresh start and a few small changes could make this season one where his potential finally comes to fruition.

“Every game he gets to play, he gets a chance to prove himself,” Nasreddine said. “That’s why we’re getting him a lot of games here in training camp, so he can feel good about himself going into Game 1.”

On X/Twitter: @Lassimak

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