Julius Honka was the lone (now former) Dallas Star that was not extended a qualifying offer at the RFA deadline this past week. Meaning once again, and likely for good, Honka’s time with the Stars is over. Honka will become an unrestricted free-agent and is now free to sign to any suckers that are wild enough to take that chance.
Julius Honka was the number 14 overall draft pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft which began what can only be described as an uphill rollercoaster clicking type ride. Only issue with this ride is there’s no payoff. Only sadness and wasted money in giant money pit of depression. Honka was touted as one of the top prospects in the 2014 NHL draft class, being ranked as high as the number 11 overall skater by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau.
Fans began the #FreeHonka movement, constantly commenting that Jim Nill and the front office were missing the chance to slide a once in a lifetime style defenseman into the nightly lineup. Fast forward to last week and the fans have officially turned on Honka for good. In his time with the NHL Stars, Honka only amassed 13 points in 87 games. (2G,11A)
An absolute flop of a draft pick rounded out what was one of the absolute worst draft classes for the Stars of all time.
On the flip side, the Dallas Stars ran a clinic at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Reloading a somewhat shallow prospect pool. Draft experts from around the league praised Jim Nill and the scouts for their 10 selections. It was the first time in the seven-round era that the Stars held 10 selections. Obviously only time will tell if these players pan out, please see previously posted tweet, but the Stars find themselves back with a wealth of youth.
The Morning Skate 