Stars Trade Carrick, choice of the 3rd round 2019 for Ben Lovejoy, slightly modernizes the bottom of the rotation of Blueline

The Dallas Stars announced today the deadline for their exchanges by trying to improve the lower torque of their rotation.

Connor Carrick, acquired by the Stars earlier this season from the Toronto Maple Leafs when the depths of their blue line were put to the injury test, the team having played up to 12 players on the board of depths, was sent to the New Jersey Devils with a third round pick from veteran defender Ben Lovejoy. The third-round pick in the deal seems to be a bit of an overpayment for the unrestricted free agent Lovejoy as a rental, but it's not an absurd overpayment.

The move seems to be a marginal improvement for the lower pair. Let's look at some #fancystats for a moment:

The Stars already have a pretty good score in punishment, but strengthening the defense in this respect is not a bad thing for the adventure. They also improved the 5-on-5 defense against Carrick.

Carrick did not play much last month. After returning from injury earlier this year, he never seemed to have found the level of play he had when he arrived in Dallas. He slowly began to lose confidence and his use reflected it. Carrick, a restricted free agent this summer, was probably not in the long-term plans for the Stars with prospects like Gavin Bayreuther and Dillon Heatherington and young players like Julius Honka still on the chart in depth.

Jim Nill also appreciates the experience of Lovejoy, who played in the Pittsburgh Penguins Tournament, which won the Stanley Cup in 2016. "Find an experienced and proven player who has proven himself in end-of-season games." Significant is important as it will help balance our blue line, "Nill said.

There are two fun facts about Lovejoy that Stars fans might like. First, his nickname is "Reverend" after The simpsons Reverend Lovejoy character. Secondly, he is apparently the aforementioned Bayreuther cousin.