Latest On Julius Honka

Sunday: With a 4 p.m. deadline to sign a contract for Puljujarvi and Honka, TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that while it looks unlikely that a Puljujarvi trade could happen, a Honka trade is quite possible. McKenzie reports that talk between other clubs and Dallas are ongoing and a trade/signing is possible.

Saturday: There are a pair of restricted free agents whose fates will be determined one way or the other this weekend.  The deadline for signing an NHL contract as an RFA is December 1st and while Edmonton winger Jesse Puljujarvi has drawn most of the attention, Dallas defenseman Julius Honka is in the same situation.  Speaking with Matthew DeFranks of the Dallas Morning News, GM Jim Nill indicated that there hasn’t been much movement on the trade front in terms of improved offers from around the league:

We’re still talking to teams, but I’m going to do what’s right for the team, for the Dallas Stars. He’s an asset, and right now, I’m not comfortable with what’s been offered to me. The good thing is, for Julius’ sake, is he’s over there playing. He’s playing a lot. He’s on a good team, he’s in a good situation. He’s going to have a chance to make their national teams.

Honka has spent the season with JYP Jyväskylä of the Finnish SM-liiga, his hometown team, but the deal does contain an NHL out clause.  He has certainly taken advantage of the opportunity and has logged 19:44 per night in 14 games so far, well above the 13:43 he averaged with the Stars last season.  However, his offensive numbers (three goals and three assists) have been a little underwhelming considering his team is the top-scoring group in the league.  Nonetheless, Honka told DeFranks that he’s pleased with how things have gone this season and that he’s still seeking an NHL change of scenery:

I felt maybe like it’s good for my health and everything to move on and try to find something where I can enjoy it more, and be in a good situation for me. I’ve been really happy to play here. I feel like it’s going in a better direction here than my last month in North America. It’s going the right direction and positive, and my mindset is better. I’m really happy for it.

If Honka isn’t signed by 4:00 PM CST on Sunday, he’ll be ineligible to suit up in the NHL this season but Dallas will retain his rights heading into next summer.  In that case, he’ll remain with JYP (where his brother Anttoni, a Carolina prospect, also plays) and look to earn a spot on Finland’s entry to the World Championships in May in the hopes of boosting his trade value that way.