The Dallas Stars are willing to trade Sergei Gonchar, but to date they haven’t been able to find an interested partner. According to a report from the Dallas Morning News, it was believed that the Stars would move Gonchar this summer and they were even willing to eat 50% of the defenseman’s $5 million salary. This may still be the case, but the summer is winding down in a hurry and the Stars still employ Gonchar.
This is an interesting, yet not surprising report. Gonchar struggled in 2013-14, and with the veteran turning 40 and showing serious signs of slowing down, Dallas may believe it’s time to use a younger, cheaper option. Even if they’re willing to pay half of his salary, they can still come out ahead financially assuming a different option comes at less than $2.5 million a year.
While it’s not a shock that Dallas wants to move Gonchar, it’s also not a shock that they haven’t been able to find a suitor. Gonchar’s age, declining skill and fading stamina should all be big red flags. Considering how long it took for Michael Del Zotto, a young skater with a decent amount of upside, to find a new team, no one should be puzzled that Gonchar has been difficult to move.
A deal may transpire as the upcoming season approaches. Though Gonchar certainly has his limits, he has valuable experience a young team may value and he should still be a decent weapon with the man advantage.
Do you think Gonchar will be traded? If so, where will he land?
