{My next article will attempt to resolve the debate over whether to keep Roman Turek or Eddie Belfour}
New Player Projections
Centers
1. Lyashenko 6.5
2. Gavey 5.5
3. Karlsson 7
4. Svartvadet 5.5
5. Jinman 3
6. Perry 3
Left-wingers
1. Brenden Morrow 7
2. Botterill 6.5
3. Sim 6.5
4. Wright 5
5. Kapanen 6.5
6. Gainey 6
7. Elomo 6.5
8. Christie 4.5
9. Lind 6.5 ( not under contract )
10. Luchinkin NR
Right-wingers
1. Bouck 6
2. Kristofferson 6.5
3. Flichel 3.5
4. Leeb 3.5
5. Timkin NR
6. Patera NR
Defensemen
1. Jackman 7.5
2. Lukowich 5.5
3. Buzek 5
4. Tsybouk 5
5. Erskine 5
6. McKercher 4.5
7. Bouchard 3
8. Petrochinin NR
9. Komarov NR
Goaltenders
1. Marty Turco 7.5
2. Manny Fernandez 6
**1997 Draftee Signings**
It took too long, but the signings of Brenden Morrow and Jeff McKercher kept the ’97 Dallas draft intact. In Morrow Dallas has the potential of an excellent second line left-wing, something they sorely need in the very near future. On the other hand, McKercher gives the Stars added depth on the blueline, and also provides the dimension of a stay-at-home defenseman with size. Both players should play for the K-Wings of the IHL next season, although McKercher still has a year of junior eligibility remaining. Each player signed a three year deal, but other terms of the contracts were not available.
