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Dallas Stars Issue Major Plans For Ex-Vancouver Canucks Netminder Casey DeSmith
A former Vancouver Canucks goaltender is reportedly in line for a bigger opportunity in the National Hockey League for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
The National Hockey League's 2025-26 campaign is set to begin in 63 days and the Vancouver Canucks are hoping for a bounce back campaign after missing out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
Looking elsewhere around the National Hockey League ahead next season, there are several former Canucks who had the opposite of what their ex-teammates in Vancouver had - that being success - and one of those players is reportedly set for a bigger role during the 2025-26 campaign, a little over a year after leaving British Columbia as an unrestricted free agent.
Former Vancouver Canucks goaltender reportedly set for bigger role next season
Casey DeSmith, who signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Stars on July 1st, 2024, is coming off a solid first season in The Lone Star State, serving as the team's backup to Jake Oettinger.
While DeSmith's role as the backup to Oettinger isn't changing at all this coming season, unless an injury arises, but it appears that Dallas Stars fans could see more of the 33-year-old between the pipes starting in October.
During a recent edition of the DLLS Stars Podcast, the team's goaltending situation for the 2025-26 season was discussed and the possibility of Casey DeSmith playing 35+ games for the club was brought up.
Keeping Jake Oettinger fresh for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as Dallas looks for their first appearance in the Final since 2020, has to be top of mind, the podcast says, and if DeSmith is able to play 35 or more games, that would be ideal for the Stars.
"If DeSmith gives you 35 games and you keep Oettinger fresh for the playoffs, that's the move. We're not talking about a tandem, we're talking about a smart long-season strategy." they said.
They added, "He doesn't have to steal games. He just needs to hold the net when called."
They added, "He doesn't have to steal games. He just needs to hold the net when called."
The Rochester, New Hampshire native appeared in 27 games during his first season with the Dallas Stars where he had a 14-8-2 record along with a 2.59 goals against average, a .915 save percentage and two shutouts.
DeSmith was arguably one of the best backup goaltenders in the National Hockey League last season and with a solid roster in front of him, highlighted by Jason Robertson, Miro Heiskanen, Wyatt Johnston, Thomas Harley, among others, he's certainly in line to have another great season in Dallas.
Source: Blade of Steel
The Dallas Stars might give this veteran goalie 35 starts, and here's why
The Dallas Stars might give this veteran goalie 35 starts, and here's why
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| POLL | ||
AOUT 5 | 1098 ANSWERS Dallas Stars Issue Major Plans For Ex-Vancouver Canucks Netminder Casey DeSmith Do you think Casey DeSmith will play 30+ games for the Dallas Stars this coming season? | ||
| Yes | 508 | 46.3 % |
| No | 590 | 53.7 % |
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