Three questions facing Dallas Stars

NHL.com is providing in-depth analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, three important questions facing the Dallas Stars.

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1. Will the Stars re-sign Jake Oettinger and Jason Robertson?**
Oettinger, a goalie, and Robertson, a forward, were big reasons for the Stars' success last season. Each is a restricted free agent.
The Stars believe they'll work out a contract with each but are unsure if they will be long- or short-term deals.
"We're continuing to have dialogue and negotiating," general manager Jim Nill told NHL.com. "Things are going the right way, but like with any negotiation, they just take time. Right now, without deadlines, those things just kind of go on. We're going to get both players signed up. It's just part of the process in today's negotiations."
Oettinger, 23, who went from No. 4 on the goalie depth chart to No. 1 by the end of the season, was 30-15-1 with a 2.53 goals-against average, .914 save percentage and one shutout in 48 regular-season games (46 starts). In the Stars' seven-game, first-round loss to the Calgary Flames in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he had a 1.81 GAA, .954 save percentage and one shutout.
Robertson, 23, a finalist for the Calder Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year in 2020-21 when he had 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists) in 51 games, had 79 points (41 goals, 38 assists) in 74 games last season. He led the Stars in goals and was second in points behind forward and linemate Joe Pavelski (81).

2. How quickly will they adjust without John Klingberg?
Klingberg was a staple on defense since making his NHL debut with the Stars in 2014-15 but left a void after signing a one-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks on July 29. But Dallas is still strong at this position, led by Miro Heiskanen, Ryan Suter and Esa Lindell. Colin Miller, who signed a two-year contract, adds to that. Klingberg's departure also opens up opportunities for Thomas Harley and Jani Hakanpää to take on bigger roles.
"They're going to take more responsibility? Yes," assisatant general manager Scott White said. "Are they going to be full-time right then (to start the season)? That's up to the player. But I certainly project them of taking more of that time, yes."
3. Can Joe Pavelski thrive again this season?
There aren't many NHL players who score an NHL-career high in points at age 37, but that's what Pavelski did last season when the forward led the Stars with 81 points (27 goals, 54 assists) in 82 games.
Pavelski, who turned 38 on July 11 and signed a one-year contract to remain with Dallas on March 11, played right wing and found great chemistry with left wing Robertson and center Roope Hintz.
It's unclear if coach Peter DeBoer keeps those three together again to start this season, but regardless of linemates, Pavelski has been one of the most consistent producers throughout his career.
"He's obviously a gifted athlete," DeBoer said. "Whatever sport he decides to pick up, he's immediately great at it. He's one of those guys. There are some natural gifts there obviously, but when you line him up with all the other NHL players, he wouldn't be considered physically gifted at the NHL level. So, his brain and his preparation and his professionalism have separated him and allowed him to become one of the best U.S.-born hockey players of all time."