As the 2017 Expansion Draft inches closer and closer, Mike Heika took a look at whether or not the Stars should protect defenseman Jamie Oleksiak over Stephen Johns or even Patrik Nemeth. Heika’s verdict? Don’t protect the Big Rig.
Oleksiak has impressive physical tools, as he's listed at 6-7, 255 and is a good skater. However, he ranked ninth on the team in hits per game at 1.2 and eighth on the team in blocked shots per game at 1.3. And both of those stats seem to be important to a defensive defenseman.