first shift 🏒
Seguin’s injury history is horrific.
From a torn Achilles tendon to a torn labrum to major hip surgery, the Stars forward has seen almost everything. Well, in fact, it really changed the type of player he became on the ice.
But as he approaches age 34 and approaches 1,000 regular season games, one of the team’s most talented players may be enjoying a true renaissance.
Seguin has 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists) in 24 games. But just as important, he’s done all the little things, logging 17:16 a game.
“He’s been invaluable to us,” Stars coach Glenn Gulutzan said.
This is important for a team that has dealt with injuries to Benn, Duchene and at times Rupp Hintz. In many ways, Seguin has been one of the most consistent and versatile players, and he’s a big reason why the team is 15-5-4.
After missing 61 games last season, Seguin credits a healthy offseason and perhaps a little mental health that comes with finally feeling good.
“It’s been good,” Seguin said. “I wasn’t sure it was going to be a little adjustment playing a regular season schedule, but I feel like it’s the best I’ve had in a while. I’m excited about it and I’m having a lot of fun.”
Seguin was the de facto captain when Benn was ruled out for 19 matches due to a bad lung. He helped convey the new coaching staff’s message, and also showed flashes of a style of play that created more open ice. Combine the fact that he often lines up with Jason Robertson and Hintz, and you have a guy who looks young.
While Seguin has adjusted his game in recent seasons to move inside more and take advantage of intelligence more than pure speed, he has really been getting breakaways this year and creating open ice with his smarts.
“It’s just starting from ground zero, finding those pockets and trusting your body to do that,” he said. “And once you’re solid, you just have to be patient to play in this league.”
Gulutzan said he enjoyed working with Seguin.
“I just know how much work he’s put in to get himself back,” Gulutzan said. “I think that’s part of it.”
There’s also the part where the Stars have made three consecutive Western Conference Finals, and seem to be in the window to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup.
“I think when you get to that age, the intrinsic reason you do what you do changes,” Koch said. “When that switch turns on ‘I just want to win,’ it can be really liberating and give you a chance to play your best hockey.”
So far for Seguin, it’s certainly felt that way.
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