Dallas Starts
Mar 3, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets forward RJ Umberger (18) and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nikolai Kulemin (41) battle for position at the Air Canada Centre. Columbus defeated Toronto 2-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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Ken Hitchcock might have found a valuable, yet underrated piece to what could be a great 25th season for the Dallas Stars.  R.J. Umberger has been added to the most recent list of signings by the Dallas Stars. With names along the lines of Ben Bishop, Alexander Radulov, Martin Hanzal and Marc Methot, the Stars will finally have two things they’ve been missing for years, size and physicality.

Umberger will come into Dallas Stars training camp after sitting out last season. Before last season, Umberger was bought out due to injuries and what was deemed an “unproductive season.”  While he had injury issues in the season’s before last one, it may be a fair assumption that he has had time to heal fully.

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One of the perks that Umberger brings is an offensive skill.  In six seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Umberger had four in which he scored 20+ goals.  However, once he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, that is when things went south.  On a Stars roster that could use some more NHL experience, his presence may be of some value.

The Stars certainly have a very skilled roster, but it is not impossible for him to make the roster. The size that he brings, plus playoff experience is sure to benefit the Stars roster in some way. After all, Adam Cracknell was signed with the intention of being a depth/experienced player. But as fans know, he was a significant presence in Dallas last season.

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