The Dallas Stars are the talk of the off season these last few days courtesy of Erik Karlsson and his destination this coming season.
But they have been building their roster ahead of any Karlsson outcome.
The Stars signed a series of contracts with new additions to the roster including Michael Mersch who iced for the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League in the Los Angeles Kings organization. Mersch had 21 goals and 49 points with the Reign this 
past season. He signed a two-year, two-way contract.
Roman Polak left the Toronto Maple Leafs and signed a one-year to skate the blueline with the Stars.
This past season, Polak had two goals and 12 points on the campaign.
“Roman is a tested, veteran defenseman who brings a physical element to our back-end,” Stars general manager Jim Nill said. “He is a respected competitor and will help round out our defensive group.”
The Stars have been hamstrung over the years with poor goaltending and injured goalies.
Ben Bishop was lost for a significant time this past season with a knee injury.
Anton Khudobin was signed to a two-year deal by the Stars. Khudobin was with the Boston Bruins and posted decent numbers, 16-6-7 with a 2.56 goals-against average, .913 save percentage.
“Everyone was always saying, ‘Backup, backup, backup.’ But if you look at my stats, if you look at my career, I could always play at the No. 1. The team looks at me as a backup; OK, that’s my job. I will do that,” Khudobin said. “I wanted to go to a great team that’s going to the playoffs and has a chance to win the Stanley Cup.”
One other notable signing by the Stars was Blake Comeau who signed for three years.
Comeau picked up 13 goals and 34 points with the Colorado Avalanche last season.
“Blake will be a great addition to our forward group with his skill set and ability to play anywhere in the lineup,” Nill said. “His elite speed makes him a disruptive defensive presence and he fits well with what head coach Jim Montgomery is trying to accomplish.”
Now, if the Stars can just make the roster attractive enough to Karlsson maybe they can change their fortunes for this coming season.
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