Dallas Stars Trade Defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin Amid Cap Constraints

Dallas Stars are in a bind with almost $11 million in cap space and 18 of their 23 roster spots filled, but they have key restricted free agents to sign, including star sniper Jason Robertson. Robertson is expected to command a contract around $12 million per year, similar to Mikko Rantanen's deal. To retain Robertson, the Stars will have to move out some cap commitments, and defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin has become an obvious candidate. Frank Seravalli reported that the Stars are trying hard to move Lyubushkin and the last year of his $3.25 million contract. The Vancouver Canucks should target Lyubushkin and an asset out of GM Jim Nill and the Stars. Dallas recently gave up a second and fourth-round pick for Tyler Myers, and the Canucks got a sweetener in the deal for retaining $1.5 million on the contract. The Canucks could target Dallas' 2028 third-round pick for taking on Lyubushkin. Lyubushkin is a classic stay-at-home blueliner who isn't afraid of physical contact, and the Canucks could use another right-shot defenceman to push Victor Mancini for minutes next season. The Russian defender has played for five NHL teams throughout his career, and appears set to join a sixth soon. And with the Stars depleted draft capital, the Canucks may be able to get a good deal. But the Stars don't want to give up an asset, so the Canucks will have to make a compelling offer. So the Canucks should be all over trying to pry Lyubushkin and an asset out of the Stars. The Stars have drained their draft capital as they continue chasing their first Stanley Cup since 1999. The Canucks could also use Lyubushkin as a veteran stopgap if they aren't going to target an everyday defender in free agency like Jamie Oleksiak. Lyubushkin's contract is set to expire after next season, and the Stars may be willing to trade him for a draft pick or a prospect. The Stars' cap situation is precarious, and they may have to make some tough decisions to sign their key free agents.