The rundown on defenseman Chad Starling:
2010-11 stats [career]: 0 goals, 1 point, minus-1 rating, 16 penalty minutes in 14 games.
Quote: “This is honestly the first summer in five years that I haven’t had surgery at the end of the year. I’m healthy for the summer so I can go home and start training.”
Pros: After undergoing two surgeries in January, Starling was still in good enough shape that he could have played in the playoffs. What the “goalie’s best friend” brings is no secret — a physical presence around the net, leadership on and off the ice, and the best shootout move in the league. Starling’s experience would be especially valuable if David Walker and Jon Francisco don’t return.
Cons: The 6-foot-6 defenseman must prove that his injuries are behind him. Specifically, that his skating and mobility – which were not assets before his surgeries – won’t be a major liability at age 31.