This summer has been a rollercoaster ride, with plenty of ups and downs. The loss of 9 year captain Derian Hatcher, to the Detroit Red Wings, was a serious blow to the Stars Defense corps. Especially after a Norris-caliber season from the 13-year NHL veteran. However, with youngsters in the system such as Trevor Daley and John Erskine, the Stars are set for the future at defense.

The Stars then aquired veteran defenseman Don Sweeney, a 15-year NHL veteran. The addition of Sweeney adds solid depth defense without hurting the teams already extended budget. It is uncertain yet whether Sweeney will see much playing time with youngster John Erskine (a big physical defenseman of Hatcher style) ready for NHL playing time.

In a large three-team deal, involving Dallas, Columbus, and Phoenix, the Stars aquired the veteran skill defenseman Teppo Numminen and Columbus' second round draft pick in the 2004 draft. The Stars sent defenseman Daryl Sydor to Columbus for Mike Sillinger and the second round draft pick. The Stars then shipped Sillinger and a conditional pick to Phoenix for Numminen.