Stars' Kris Russell: Likely to walk as pending UFA

Russell is expected to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent this summer, per Stars general manager Jim Nill, ESPN's Craig Custance reports.

Analysis:

The Stars have already traded away the negotiating rights of Alex Goligoski (now in Arizona), with Russell and Jason Demers both expected to walk as unrestricted free agents this summer. Dallas can afford to rebuild its defense thanks to a wealth of talent expected to emerge from minor-league affiliate AHL Texas. Assuming Russell does not end up getting a contract extension, he'll presumably latch on with another club in need of a premier shot blocker -- Russell has redirected 200-plus shots in each of the past three seasons.