The Dallas Stars signed Nathan Bastian to a one-year deal last month. Bastian has been a part of the New Jersey Devils organization for quite some time. He was drafted by the Devils in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft while playing for the Mississauga Steelheads in the OHL.
He did have a brief 12-game stint with the Seattle Kraken during its inaugural season, but the Devils quickly got him back once the Kraken decided to waive him. Even though Bastian wasn't the most significant contributor, he was still with the Devils for many years.
Pucks and Pitchforks recently had the opportunity to conduct a brief, exclusive interview with him, discussing his tenure with the Devils, free agency, and more.
Q: Nathan, first and foremost, how are you doing?
Nathan Bastian: Really well. Obviously, it's a little bit different this year, not going back to New Jersey. I've spent so much time there and made a lot of really good friends that, hopefully, I can keep around for a long time. So many great memories. But I'm really excited to be in Dallas.
Q: What are some memories that stand out for you? You obviously participated in a few playoff runs. You had that Tommy DeVito celebration at the Stadium Series. Just reflecting on everything, what stands out?
Bastian: It's tough to put your finger on one thing. [There are] so many great memories. Obviously, the Stadium Series was a big day for me and the organization. Every time you're lucky enough to suit up in an NHL playoff game, that's obviously really special. Beating the Rangers in game seven has gotta be right at the top of everybody's list. But not just the NHL, right? Being drafted by the team and going through the process. [For example], being a part of development camps and then playing in the minors for two and a half years in Binghamton. These are all things that are important to me and ultimately a part of what's given me success.
Q: It looked like the Devils got off to a really good start. Unfortunately, things started to derail with injuries. What was it like from your perspective?
Bastian: I think as a team and as an organization, it's a step in the right direction. A lot of fans have really high and early expectations for a team that is going to be good and continue to be good. But it's a process...I think because of how long they've been in the NHL, you forget how young their players are. It's a team that hasn't hit its prime yet. In the NHL, they like to talk about how certain injuries can happen and affect your team. There's so much parity in the league. But at the end of the day, we're playing playoff games and missing three of our top four defensemen and our highest scoring five-on-five forward. Those are guys who carry the weight and pull the rope. So, I can't help but think that the momentum would've shifted if one of those game breakers were on the ice. You never know. You get into those games, and the goaltending is amazing. The young guys are great. They're being insulated by such awesome guys and older players. The team is in a great spot. And as much as the fans put pressure [on them], it was a step in the right direction.
Q: You were a pending UFA. Were there any talks of possibly bringing you back, or did it not materialize?
Bastian: Not that I know of. Fitzy and I have a really good relationship. I respect everything he's done for my career. I don't think you often see depth guys like me last in an organization as long as they do. I kind of felt like the writing was on the wall for a few reasons. But even for myself, as much as I love my time there, I think it was time to give somewhere else a go.
Q: Later in the off-season, you signed with the Stars. How did that come about? Did you always know that you were going to stick around the NHL, or were there talks of going overseas? What were those talks like with your agent?
Bastian: No, we didn't talk about going overseas at all. We were just trying to find something that felt like a better fit. I think when you're in my position, it's really important to play on a good team. When you're going to play for the league minimum, it is nice. Because every team in the league needs guys to play for the league minimum. There were options out there...Dallas was the most intriguing spot, and the spot I was most excited to go to.
Q: Dallas went to the playoffs last year. They're competitive in the Western Conference. How excited are you for the upcoming season?
Bastian: It's very cool to be on the other side and be a part of another team. They have so many high-end players. Until you play on their team, sometimes you don't realize how much respect they deserve. There are guys I'm excited to be in the locker room with. As far as the team is concerned, being the new guy, it feels weird answering that question. But their bar is set pretty high. They want to win, and I think they're ready to.
Q: Do you have a message for Devils fans? How excited are you to come back to The Rock, but this time as a visiting player?
Bastian: I mean, thank you, of course, right? Like I said, it was a great run. My only other thing I would say is enjoy it while you can. Because some days I wonder if Devils fans don't realize how lucky they are. That's a really good group. That's an exciting group. That's a group where there are eyes on them around the whole league because of the players that they have. That's a destination now, so credit to them and that organization, for sure.