NHL Trade Rumors: Holding on to Steve Ott Is Key to Dallas Stars' Playoff Hopes

With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the last thing the Dallas Stars should be looking to do is move key components of their team, such as center Steve Ott.

According to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun, many teams teams are showing an interest in the Stars' important piece.

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Steve Ott of the Dallas Stars has lots of teams interested in him, too. It’s certainly not a given that Dallas will move him considering where they sit in the Western Conference standings—in eighth place Friday morning. But they’re listening. Vancouver likes Ott a lot, and Toronto and Philadelphia also likes him.

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The Stars could likely get a nice package in return for one of their main players, but right now the team is sitting in eighth place in the Western Conference, two points ahead of Calgary, Colorado and Los Angeles, and just three points behind the Phoenix Coyotes.

This team is still in the playoff race, and as we know, any team can make a run at the Stanley Cup once the postseason begins.

The Stars are on a three game winning streak, including a victory over the Chicago Blackhawks who currently sit at sixth in the conference. That was also the last game that Ott scored a goal.

Ott's numbers don't come anywhere close to those of Loui Eriksson, Jamie Benn, Mike Riberio or Michael Ryder, but he has proven to be an important piece to this team's second units.

While one could argue Ott is expendable—especially since Riberio is blowing him out of the water in terms of points—the depth is important for the team. Vernon Fiddler is the next center in line on the team, but is a much weaker option compared to the two-year younger Ott.

If a team comes around with an overwhelming deal that would propel the team's playoff push for this season, than they may just have to listen.

Until then, they should just make sure Ott's name is off the block so that this team can focus on making sure it reaches the playoffs.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
Follow @Real_Jeff_Chase