Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist scored the game-winning goal in Saturday's 3-2 overtime victory against Detroit, finding the back of the net with just 31 seconds remaining in the extra frame. It was his only shot on goal in 14:50 of ice time. The talented blue-liner has now scored in back-to-back outings and boasts three points in three games after sitting out some time as a healthy scratch. Head coach Peter DeBoer has gotten a very good reaction out of him. Lundkvist had just one point in 15 games prior to heating up, so he's far from a reliable fantasy option, but the 22-year-old is a highly-rated player and should have a bright future in the league. He's on eight points in 25 games this season with 46 shots, 23 hits and 25 blocks.
The Dallas Stars have acquired defenseman Nils Lundkvist from the New York Rangers in exchange for a conditional first-round pick in 2023 and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2025. The 2023 first-round pick is top 10 protected and will slide to 2024 if it does become a top 10 pick. Lundkvist, the Rangers' first-round pick in 2018, has only played 25 games in the NHL, totaling four points. He has been disgruntled with the team and there were reports that he wouldn't play for the Rangers this upcoming season. All that being known, it is surprising that the Rangers were able to get this much in return for him. He doesn't have much fantasy value for now, but he should see some powerplay time and if he can establish himself as an NHL-caliber defenseman, he could see more opportunities as the season progresses.
