Ty Dellandrea – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – SAN JOSE SHARKS – Team Preview

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 20:00:54 +0000

_{PARADISE, NV - JUNE 28: Macklin Celebrini of Boston University is drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the first round during the NHL Draft on June 28, 2024 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire)}

On the heels of a spectacularly terrible season, the San Jose Sharks can only go up. San Jose finished with 47 points (19-54-9) and the one thing that they could take from that disaster of a campaign is that they landed the top pick in the draft lottery. The Sharks used that pick on Macklin Celebrini, who was born in Vancouver, but played some of his minor hockey for the San Jose Jr. Sharks. Where did it go wrong for the Sharks in 2023-2024? They ranked 31st in Corsi (42.2%) and dead last in expected goals percentage (40.6%), so they earned their poor results from the start. San Jose’s power play ranked 19th, which was a monumental success compared to other aspects of the game, scoring 7.28 goals per 60 minutes. They allowed 8.97 goals against per 60 minutes while shorthanded, which ranked 28th. The Sharks might not have expected the team to be as bad as it was, but when they came out of the gate going 0-10-1 in the first 11 games, it was pretty clear that it was going to be a long season.

WHAT’S CHANGED? To their credit, the Sharks did not let that awful season go without making major changes. They fired head coach Dave Quinn and replaced him with Ryan Warsofsky. They let winger Filip Zadina and defenceman Calen Addison both go without a qualifying offer. Veteran forwards Mike Hoffman, Alexander Barabanov, and Kevin Labanc were all cast into free agency, and the Sharks traded defenceman Kyle Burroughs to Los Angeles. The most important additions for the Sharks will be having their top picks from the past two drafts, Celebrini and Will Smith, in the lineup. San Jose was also busy re-shaping its forward group. They signed Tyler Toffoli and Alexander Wennberg as free agents, traded for Ty Dellandrea and Carl Grunstrom, plus they claimed Barclay Goodrow on waivers, whether he liked it or not. The Sharks also made a sharp deal to acquire defenceman Jake Walman from Detroit, so they are going to look different than they did last season.

WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? It would be impossible to imagine this roster going to the playoffs, so success is much more about development. While the Sharks definitely need to be more consistently competitive, the biggest key to this season is the improvement of young players. That’s Celebrini and Smith, but also William Eklund, Fabian Zetterlund, Thomas Bordeleau, Ty Dellandrea, and Henry Thrun. They aren’t all going to hit, but it is imperative that the Sharks put these players in positions to succeed, as best they can, and build something stable for the future.

WHAT COULD GO WRONG? Since on-ice results are still practically irrelevant for this team, failing to develop their young players would be a giant mistake. It doesn’t look like there is much danger of veterans overtaking the top young players, but it’s also important that players like Celebrini and Smith have legitimately skilled NHL players to skate with, so that they can grow into their roles without getting buried in the defensive zone night after night. The one good thing about being the worst team in hockey, aside from getting the top pick in the draft, is that it can’t get any worse.

TOP BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Leaving aside the rookies, who could be among the top players on this team right away, the best breakout candidate might be William Eklund, who was the seventh pick in the 2021 Draft. He finished with 45 points last season but that could just be scratching the surface of what he could provide. Eklund finished the season with 15 points in his last 14 games, for a team that was playing out the string, so he could be ready to make something happen this year, especially if he is playing with more skilled linemates than he did in 2023-2024.

FORWARD

Tyler Toffoli

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	27	24	51	0.62

A three-time 30-goal scorer and Stanley Cup champion, the veteran winger continues to play at a high level. Toffoli has scored 67 goals across the past two seasons, including 46 at even strength. His 67 goals are tied for 34th while his 46 even-strength goals is tied for 30th. Among players to play at least 1000 even strength minutes across the past two seasons, Toffoli ranks 22nd. Adding that scoring efficiency ought to be a major help for a Sharks team that was woefully inadequate offensively last season. Toffoli is a consistent shot generator who uses a quick release and an accurate shot to score goals from distance. Toffoli has been a consistent play-driving force throughout his career, with his team controlling 55.6 percent of shot attempts when he has been on the ice for five-on-five play. That might be difficult to match in San Jose, but if Toffoli can help move the puck in the right direction, that will be a big help to San Jose’s top prospects. For a player that is known for his ability to finish around the opposing goal, Toffoli is also a reliable defensive winger. It is likely going to be an uphill fight in San Jose next season, so expectations for Toffoli should land around 25 goals and 50 points, which is down from recent seasons, but he does not have quite the same supporting cast heading into the 2024-2025 season.

William Eklund

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	22	33	55	0.67

The seventh pick in the 2021 Draft, Eklund got to spend a full season with the Sharks and made significant progress, scoring 45 points. He finished the season with a flourish, tallying 15 points in his last 14 games, an encouraging sign even though the Sharks were playing out the string at that point of the season. Eklund has strong offensive instincts, getting in position to score, either via one-timers or simply going to the net for rebounds. It would not be at all surprising to see his repertoire continue to grow as he develops more confidence. The Sharks tried Eklund at centre midway through the season, but he wasn’t scoring and finished the season winning just 31.3 percent of his faceoffs, so that didn’t seem like a long-term solution. He can be a dangerous winger for the Sharks moving forward, potentially even in a top line role. Among the players who are already on the San Jose roster (so not including rookies Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith), Eklund is the most intriguing, with a chance to become a bona fide top line player. For the 2024-2025 season, Eklund should be expected to deliver 20 goals and 50 points but, considering how he finished last season, he might even be able to produce more than that.

Mikael Granlund

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
77	11	45	56	0.73

A veteran centre who hit the 60-point plateau for the fourth time in his career in 2023-2024, Granlund is much better suited to a complementary role, but on the Sharks, he played a career-high 20:58 and while that led to power play production and higher point totals, the Sharks were also outshot and out-scored with Granlund on the ice. That hardly made him unique in San Jose, but it shows just how much more support was needed. At his best, Granlund is a creative playmaker, who has excellent vision and patience with the puck. While Granlund can play centre, he may just be keeping the position warm until the Sharks decide that their top prospects are ready to handle the responsibilities of playing down the middle of the ice in the National Hockey League. When that time comes, Granlund can shift to the wing and still be the setup man from that position and it probably will help free him up to focus on offensive play, rather than forcing him to handle defensive responsibilities which are not really his strong suit. Granlund is not an eager shooter, so he does not score a lot of goals. It might be fair to expect 10-12 goals in 2024-2025, on the way to Granlund putting up around 55 points.

Fabian Zetterlund

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	21	21	42	0.51

There were not a lot of wins to be found in San Jose last season, but seeing Zetterlund break through to score 24 goals feels like at least a little bit of a win, a young player starting to realize his potential. Zetterlund, 25, is a stocky winger who will use his body to battle along the boards and in front of the net. He has good speed to create chances in transition, but Zetterlund seemed to be most effective at finding soft spots in the defensive zone where he could utilize a one-timer or quick release to find the back of the net. Perhaps Zetterlund should not have been playing 19 minutes per game at this stage of his career, particularly because his defensive play is not yet strong enough to handle that responsibility, but that experience should serve him well as the rest of the team gets better. The Sharks managed a miserable 39.5 percent of expected goals with Zetterlund on the ice, so there is room for improvement in his all-around game. He is likely suited to a secondary scoring role, though on this roster, he may still be in a featured offensive role. It is reasonable to expect 20 goals and 40 points out of Zetterlund in 2024-2025 and there could be some upside if the Sharks’ top prospects are ready to be impact players.

Alexander Wennberg

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
80	11	24	35	0.44

A reliable third-line centre, Wennberg appears to have the talent to contribute more, but the 29-year-old pivot has only reached 40 points in a season twice in his career, the most recent occurrence coming in 2016-2017. Across his entire career, Wennberg has been on the ice for one more goal for (378) than against (377), despite Columbus and Seattle being his home for nearly 90 percent of his games. Oddly enough, Wennberg is not particularly adept in the faceoff circle, winning 46.2 percent of draws in his career, and never finishing over 50 percent in a single season. Wennberg has strong puck skills and can beat a defender one-on-one and is a fine distributor of the puck. If he is going to create more offensive production, Wennberg would need to shoot the puck more frequently. There were 375 forwards that played at least 500 five-on-five minutes last season and 373 of them generated shots at a higher rate than Wennberg’s 3.58 shots on goal per 60 minutes. That isn’t even the worst of it, since Wennberg ranks 375th in shot attempts per 60 (6.41) and individual expected goals per 60 (0.38). That inability, or reluctance, to shoot the puck puts a ceiling on his offensive potential, so he should be able to contribute about 35 points for San Jose in 2024-2025.

Klim Kostin

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
72	13	12	25	0.35

A mammoth winger, 6-foot-4, 232-pound Kostin has flashed brief moments of potential, including when he scored five goals and nine points in his first 13 games for the Sharks after he was acquired from the Red Wings. Although he has yet to firmly establish his place in the NHL, despite previous stops in St. Louis, Edmonton, and Detroit, the 25-year-old has enough skill to complement his gritty game. For players that don’t play much, it helps to be efficiently productive in the ice time that they get. Across the past two seasons, Kostin has 0.99 goals per 60 minutes of five-on-five play. That ranks 65th among forwards that skated at least 500 five-on-five minutes, which is a higher rate than Elias Pettersson, Nico Hischier, and Alex Ovechkin, among many others. Kostin’s particular set of skills may indicate that he is destined to be a fourth-line banger, but it would not be unreasonable to give him opportunities higher on the depth chart to see if he can handle that responsibility over a longer period of time. Provided that he stays healthy and in the lineup for most of the season, Kostin should be able to contribute 25 points for the Sharks in 2024-2025. His career high is 21 points, but he has yet to play more than 57 games in a season, so there is room for improved production.

Ty Dellandrea

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
78	9	17	26	0.33

Lost in the shuffle in Dallas, Dellandrea went from scoring 28 points in 2022-2023 to just nine points in 42 games last season. The 13th pick in the 2018 Draft can play both centre and wing and brings a physical edge to his game in addition to having decent puck skills, making him more talented than a run-of-the-mill fourth liner. Despite a modest history in Dallas, the move to San Jose could turn Dellandrea loose. He may not be a first line forward, but there is a path to him fitting in San Jose’s middle six, with more ice time and better opportunities than he has been able to experience in the NHL. The 24-year-old has already shown that he will put his body on the line with physical play, hitting frequently and dropping the gloves when needed, so he should be able to secure a regular spot in the Sharks lineup, but it’s fair to expect that he could be more than merely a fringe player. There will be competition for spots in San Jose’s middle six, but Dellandrea should have a chance to earn those minutes and, if he does, a season with 25-30 points would be within his grasp.

Nico Sturm

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
72	7	12	19	0.26

After going for career highs of 14 goals and 26 points in 2022-2023, his first year with the Sharks, Sturm saw his numbers plummet to five goals and 13 points in 63 games last season. His shot rate dropped to a career-low 1.10 per game and he scored on a career-low 7.2 percent of his shots – it was the perfect statistical recipe for a decline in production. This led to the Sharks getting outscored 42-22 during five-on-five play when Sturm was on the ice. Despite winning a career-high 60.1 percent of his faceoffs, Sturm struggled defensively, allowing career-high rates of shot attempts, expected goals against, and goals against per 60 minutes. Certainly, the Sharks’ overall lack of defensive talent played a part in those results, too, but for a player whose NHL career is built on his success as a checking centre, those results are far from ideal. With the Sharks adding more talent in the offseason, there could be enough depth to cut into Sturm’s ice time. He has played 14:42 per game in two seasons with the Sharks but given the results, redistributing a couple of minutes per game to others on the roster might be best for Sturm. Coming off such a poor season, expectations for Sturm should be modest. He has reached 20 points twice in his career and that would be a fair target for him in the 2024-2025 season.

Barclay Goodrow

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	8	14	22	0.27

Even though Goodrow had an excellent postseason, contributing six goals in 16 games for the Rangers, it was not altogether surprising that the Rangers wanted to move him because he had an abysmal regular season. Goodrow was one of four forwards in the league to play at least 500 five-on-five minutes yet finished the season with a Corsi percentage under 40 percent. He finished with four goals and 12 points, and that followed the two most productive seasons of Goodrow’s career, when he scored 33 and 31 points, respectively. He is a blue-collar player who can play centre or wing, and he plays a hard game, hitting and dropping the gloves, when needed. Nevertheless, his value was inflated by the success he had while winning two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and there was little chance that he would ever live up to the six-year, $21.85 million deal that he signed with the Rangers. After three seasons, the Rangers put Goodrow on waivers and he was claimed by the Sharks, his first NHL team. Expect Goodrow to play a significant depth role for San Jose, but he should not be counted on for significant offensive production. It is reasonable to expect something in the range of 20-25 points.

DEFENCE

Jake Walman

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
74	10	15	25	0.34

Despite scoring a career-high 12 goals and 21 points in 63 games for Detroit, Walman was traded to San Jose, and the 28-year-old blueliner ought to play a significant role for the Sharks. Walman spent most of the 2023-2024 season paired with Moritz Seider and they were fed to the wolves, handling the toughest defensive assignments with a steady diet of defensive zone starts. While their overall results were not great it was a valuable experience and, given the lack of depth on the San Jose blueline, Walman could very well find himself handling major responsibility once again. What Walman showed in a couple of seasons with Detroit is that he can handle the puck on the attack and has some natural finishing talent when he finds himself in scoring position. The question will be if that can happen with any kind of consistency in San Jose? Walman will presumably see significant minutes, including power play time, so the opportunity should be there for him. If Walman can stay relatively healthy, he should be able to set a new high for games played, since he has yet to surpass the 63 games that he has played in each of the past two seasons. If that means playing 70-plus games, then he should be able to challenge for double-digit goals and 20-25 points in the 2024-2025 season.

Mario Ferraro

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
80	5	20	25	0.31

With Erik Karlsson getting traded to Pittsburgh, the Sharks did little to address that massive hole on the blueline and it left Ferraro as the leading scorer among Sharks defencemen last season. The problem is, he had just 21 points. Ferraro was the workhorse, averaging a team-high 22:52 of ice time per game, but he was not a consideration on the power play, so all 21 points came via even strength. Ferraro has recorded at least 120 hits in each of his five NHL seasons and has gone over 140 blocked shots in each of the past three seasons, peaking at 195 in 2023-2024. Ferraro is a strong skater and is not shy about getting physically involved in the action. The main issue is that without protection from other high-quality defencemen on the roster, because they just don’t exist, Ferraro gets thrown to the wolves. Essentially, he is not being put in a position to succeed right now. Ferraro should be expected to contribute 20-25 points, building on the career-high 21 points he had last season, but without a power play role, there is a clear ceiling on his offensive potential. That is to say nothing of the Sharks’ lack of offensive firepower in general, which does not tend to help out their blueliners. If the young guns, Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, can elevate San Jose’s attack, then that offers a greater chance that someone like Ferraro could have a little fantasy value.

Ty Emberson

Acquired off waivers from the New York Rangers, the former captain at the University of Wisconsin had two years of seasoning in the American Hockey League, so he was ready for a look with the Sharks last season. Although injuries limited him to just 30 games, Emberson showed in that sample of games that he could be a legitimate NHL defenceman. It would be too soon to make that claim with certainty, but Emberson was among the better defencemen on the worst team in the games that he played. His primary partner on the San Jose blueline was Mario Ferraro, and they were outscored 13-12 in 311 minutes during five-on-five play. That’s not great, but compared to other Sharks pairings, it is encouraging. Emberson had his season shortened by a lower-body injury, which is what makes his projection a little more complicated, but it’s also reasonable to understand that he does not have a track record to suggest that he will suddenly become a significant offensive threat. So long as he stays healthy, Emberson should have a chance to contribute 20-25 points, but he also ought to be able to accrue reliable totals for hits and blocked shots. With 94 hits and 46 blocked shots in 30 games last season, Emberson showed that he is capable of accumulating enough in those peripheral statistical categories.

Henry Thrun

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
78	5	18	23	0.29

For a Sharks team that is sorely lacking in quality puck-moving defencemen there is a great opportunity for Thrun to handle a big role, including possibly running the point on the top power play unit. It’s not like Thrun is an offensive dynamo, but he did have 63 points in 68 games across his last two seasons at Harvard and four of his 11 points last season came with the man advantage. While Thrun is a smart player who can skate and pass, he is still a young player who experiences the growing pains of a defenceman trying to establish that he is a legitimate NHL defenceman. Trying to prove that with a team that offers so little defensive support is not easy and sometimes the results looked rough during Thrun’s rookie campaign. He has decent size, at 6-foot-2, but is not very physical as a defender, which means he really needs to make a difference with his puck skills. Thrun only has 13 points in 59 NHL games, so any optimistic point projections for 2024-2025 are going to be based on potential. The most reasonable forecast would be for Thrun to contribute 20-25 points in a full season, but there could be a wide range of outcomes because his pro hockey track record is relatively limited.

GOAL

Mackenzie Blackwood

Predicted Stats
GP	W	L	OT	SO	SV%	GAA
35	9	22	3	1	0.902	3.45

Vitek Vanecek

Predicted Stats
GP	W	L	OT	SO	SV%	GAA
18	5	11	2	2	0.898	3.72

No team in the NHL looked worse in 2023 than the San Jose Sharks, who struggled to even put up wins for entire stretches of the season during a painfully apparent rebuild. That’s a tough environment for Mackenzie Blackwood to welcome fellow former New Jersey netminder Vitek Vanecek into - but after taking the reins as the de facto starter last year, Blackwood will hopefully have found his sea legs and help the Sharks as a whole take a small step forward. Blackwood’s numbers certainly weren’t the primary cause for concern in the Bay last year; while he only managed to squeak out ten wins on the whole through 44 starts, he put up wholly winnable performances in over half of his appearances in net. He didn’t quite finish the year at league average, but his overall numbers looked far better than those of a number of netminders who spent the year sitting behind much easier defensive systems; if the Sharks manage to make even a marginal improvement in their play, Blackwood could be enough to keep them from another disastrous free-fall.

Vanecek is by far the bigger wild card for the Pacific Division club, given that his overall stat line from 2023 looked like Blackwood’s inverse; he finished the year with 17 wins in 32 games, but only put up quality starts in 12 of those. That being said, he had managed to clean up a lot of sloppy habits in his game upon his first arrival in New Jersey. Those habits seemed to slip back into the conversation as the 2023-24 season went on, but a lighter workload behind a clear starter in Blackwood could give him the chance to keep his game crisp and polished without succumbing to fatigue.

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – DALLAS STARS – Team Preview – Player Profiles

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:44:59 +0000

CALGARY, AB - APRIL 21: Dallas Stars Left Wing Jason Robertson (21) tries to take a shot as Calgary Flames Center Elias Lindholm (28) backchecks during the third period of an NHL game where the Calgary Flames hosted the Dallas Stars on April 21, 2022, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire)

Review: The Stars made the playoffs in three of four years from 2018-19 through 2021-22, but last season was their most dominant since 2005-06 in terms of points percentage, courtesy of their 47-21-14 record. Dallas achieved that level of success in no small part thanks to Jake Oettinger, who played a career-high 62 contests and finished with a 37-11-11 record, 2.37 GAA and .919 save percentage. Dallas did have the second best five-on-five expected goals against (158.23), so he got considerable support from the Stars’ blue line, but Oettinger was still the backbone of the team. The Stars were also able to roll two great forward lines, led by Jason Robertson, Jamie Benn, Joe Pavelski and Roope Hintz, who each provided over 25 goals and 70 points. Complement that with defenseman Miro Heiskanen’s 73-point campaign, and the Stars were the envy of many offensively. Dallas’ success carried into the playoffs, besting Minnesota and Seattle in the first two rounds, but the run ultimately ended at the hands of the Golden Knights in the Western Conference Finals.

What’s Changed? After being bought out by Nashville, Matt Duchene inked a one-year, $3 million contract with Dallas, bolstering an already deep offense. Evgenii Dadonov also agreed to a two-year, $4.5 million deal with the Stars after a successful stint with the team as a Feb. 26 acquisition from Montreal, though fellow midseason acquisition Max Domi left for Toronto.

What would success look like? While it might be unfair to say that it’s Cup-or-bust for Dallas, the expectations are about as high as they could be. There’s some minor cause for urgency too given that Pavelski is 39 years old, and Oettinger has just two seasons left at $4 million before he’ll command a big raise. Fortunately, with their goaltending and defense intact from last year, combined with an embarrassment of riches up front – Duchene and Tyler Seguin might headline an overqualified third line – the Stars really do look like one of the best teams in the league.

What could go wrong? Speaking of Pavelski’s age, you have to wonder how much longer he can really defy Father Time. Benn is coming off a fantastic season too, but he’s been up-and-down in recent years and is 34 years old at this point. If Pavelski and Benn do regress significantly, then suddenly Dallas’ offense isn’t nearly as deep as it currently appears. Then there’s Oettinger, who was amazing during the regular season, but struggled in the 2023 playoffs with a 10-9 record, 3.06 GAA and .895 save percentage in 19 starts. Will he bounce right back and even if he does, will he rise to the occasion when it matters the most? The hopes of the Stars are largely resting on his shoulders.

Top Breakout Candidate: On a team with plenty of veteran talent, Wyatt Johnston was the lone teenager last year, but he didn’t look out of place, contributing 24 goals and 41 points in 82 contests. Now 20 years old, Johnston is likely to center the Stars’ second line and be a regular presence on the second power-play unit. Those opportunities could lead to him surpassing the 50-point milestone as a sophomore.

Forwards

Jason Robertson - LW

Already a star after only three years in the league, Robertson usually finds a way onto the scoresheet by the end of the night. Not a quick skater and makes up for it by always getting to the right spot and knowing what he is going to do with the puck before he gets it. He has incredible hands and can carry the puck on a string without being impeded. Deadly accurate with his shot and can score from almost anywhere in the offensive zone because of how well he chttps://www.mckeenshockey.com/players/roope-hintz/reates space for himself. Usually recognizes the defender’s tendencies when playing one-on-one or finds the soft spot that gives him the time and space to pick a corner. One of the best players in the league at slowing the game down and creating almost power play like situations at even strength, allowing the Stars to run more creative offensive setups and make the details of the game count. All of these are why Robertson became the first Star player to score 100 points since Dino Ciccarelli in 1987. Capped off by a ridiculous month of November where he tallied 26 points in 14 games. He has only gotten better with each season in the league so the only question left with Robertson is how much better can he get?

Roope Hintz - C

It can be argued that while Robertson is the best player on the Stars, Hintz is the most important because he leads most of the rush offense and does most of the legwork while carrying the puck. Very strong on his skates and a terrific shooter, he is the total package when you hear someone referred to as a “200-foot player.” He can start rushes on his own from a dead stop and put defenders in a bind with his combo of speed and puck handling. It makes him a threat alone, but when you combine it with how good his linemates are, it’s even better. Hintz can draw defenders away from Robertson to give him even more space and allow Dallas to connect on some of the precision, tic-tac-toe plays you saw from them perform so often last year. Hintz himself also has quite the lethal wrist shot, scoring on almost 20% of his shots and consistently shooting above the league average for most of his career. He can be a little high-risk at times from how much of a workload he takes on, but he is always a threat when he is on the ice. He was the team’s best forward in the playoffs and is always a threat when on the ice.

Joe Pavelski - RW

The long-time San Jose Shark is having the best seasons of his career in Dallas, following up a career high season in 2021 with 77 points and posting a career high in assists. Playing on one of the best lines in the league helps, but Pavelski is a big part of what makes the line work. All three players are natural centers and can rotate playing all three forward positions when needed. Not that Pavelski ever moves from his usual place in front of the goal. When he’s not deflecting pucks, he is fighting hard to create space in front of the net, lifting sticks or getting body position on a defender. He makes a lot of goals happen even if he’s not the one scoring or setting them up, which is exactly what you want from the veteran on a highly skilled line. This is also why 13 of his goals came on the power play last year, as this skillset helps you more when you’re on the man advantage. His five-on-five play was still solid, though and he is a big reason why Robertson has been so productive. We also can’t forget about his playoff performance, scoring eight goals in seven games in the Seattle series (four of which came in one game).

Jamie Benn - LW

High tide raises all ships and that was the story behind the Stars captain’s massive return to form. Looking like a third liner for most of the last few years, he had a career renaissance season with 33 goals and 78 points. This was his highest point total since 2018 and more goals than he scored in the previous two seasons combined. He was also tied for the team lead in power play goals with 13. Sometimes a player thrives when the environment around him is better, and Benn is the best case for that. Dallas played a more offensive-friendly system last year and Benn created plenty of odd-man rushes because of that. His newfound chemistry with rookie Wyatt Johnson also proved to be a two-way street, as Benn provided the defensive support, and they created plenty of open shots for each other off the rush. Benn also benefitted from being the goal vulture on the power play, taking advantage of plenty of rebounds and loose pucks. It’s tough to sustain this level of production because you’re not always going to get these high-percentage chances every year, but Benn had also had his best season in terms of driving offense, so it bodes well for him being a positive player in the final year of his contract.

Matt Duchene - RW

The free agent class had a late windfall when Nashville opted to buyout the remainder of Matt Duchene’s contract. It was a little surprising because the speedy forward is still owed a lot of money and is only two years removed from a career season. Dallas was quick to sign him on July 1st and they are hoping he can give their second line some scoring punch. Getting two productive seasons out of Benn and Seguin was nice, but scoring is usually tough to come by for the middle of Dallas’ lineup and Duchene provides a fix for that. He has an excellent shot if he gets space and has reinvented himself as a scoring winger the last couple of seasons. The risk with Duchene is that he has been two different players since leaving Colorado. The high-octane scoring winger who will play more of a riverboat gambler style of hockey off the rush and the center who will play keep away with the puck in the offensive zone forever but not score many goals. What version Dallas gets remains to be seen and could ultimately come down to who his linemates are.

Tyler Seguin - C

Dallas getting back-to-back 20-goal seasons out of Seguin seems like a miracle when you consider he lost an entire season to hip surgery. Playing a lower line role and contributing on both special teams’ units, this is a different Tyler Seguin than Stars fans are used to seeing. Playing more of an off-puck role and providing a defensive presence alongside some of the team’s younger players. You see glimpses of his old self at times. He is still dangerous when he gets space and loves that patented toe-drag move to pick a corner. Expectations have changed for him now because a 50-point season would be seen as a disappointment for him a few years ago, but the emergence of Dallas’ younger core has allowed Seguin to play more of a lower line role and a team leader. Last year was good progress for him, thriving as a forechecker and getting some spot duty on the top line with Robertson and Pavelski. The explosive offense is there in bursts for Seguin, so he should give a boost to the Stars depth if he keeps this up for the rest of his contract.

Wyatt Johnston - C

It’s rare for a late first-round pick to make the NHL before he turns 20 let alone have a 24-goal season. The Stars should be thrilled out of what they got out of Wyatt Johnston last year because it looks like he is only scratching the surface of what he can do. Placed in the top-six immediately, he formed a great chemistry with Jamie Benn and eventually Evgenii Dadonov, mostly as the triggerman while the other two handled the zone entries and cycling. He had a nose for the net and a knack for getting himself wide open for scoring opportunities. It’s different than what you see from most rookies who usually want the puck all the time, Johnston was more patient and waited for his opportunities while staying active in the offensive zone. He also showed some ability to make defenders miss in the neutral zone, but usually took a backseat to his linemates until the puck got in the offensive zone. He isn’t always going to have Benn and others setting him up, so this is where Johnston can take a step forward next year. What he is now is good, now it’s about figuring out how good he can become.

Mason Marchment - LW

Signed to a four-year contract last off-season, Marchment’s first year with the Stars didn’t go as well as they hoped after dominating on Florida’s third line for a couple of years. He was one of the few Dallas forwards who struggled to finish his chances highlighted by a prolonged cold stretch in the middle of the year where he went 35 games without a goal. His lanky frame and awkward skating style made him a tough fit for an up-tempo system, but not only did he work in Florida, he thrived. Unfortunately, this is the chance you take with players that have a short track record, Marchment had only 91 NHL games to his credit before last year, and his results have been at the opposite end of the spectrum. Changing systems can be tough and Marchment also missed most of March with a lower body injury, so he had a lot of things out of his control working against him. Scoring at almost a 40-point pace despite this, there’s some promise with Marchment, especially as someone who can do the dirty work below the goal line, it’s just a matter of who he slots with and if it’s a good match.

Evgenii Dadonov - RW

A “third wheel” on a top line, Dadonov’s short stint in Dallas was enough for them to re-sign him for two years. The Stars got to see the best of him, as his 15 points in 23 games almost matched his season total in 50 games with Montreal. He isn’t the type of player who can drive a line, but he complements elite players well. He is deceptive with his decision-making in the offensive zone, tricking defenders into thinking he’s going to shoot even though he’s a playmaker at heart. This is why he racks up assists every year. The downside is someone usually needs to be the one driving the bus on his line, as he’s the type who will finish a play rather than start it. He had that in Dallas, especially in the playoffs, but not in Montreal and his overall production suffered. That said, he could be one of the best bargains in the league with the contract Dallas signed him to, as he can move all over the lineup and be a great weapon on the power play. Dallas’ top players are excellent at creating space for himself and Dadonov is at his most dangerous when other guys set the table for him. For under $3 million AAV, this was an excellent signing.

Defense

Miro Heiskanen - D

The departure of John Klingberg opened the door for Heiskanen to quarterback Dallas’ power play and the results were fantastic. He finally had that elusive 70+ point season, breaking Sergei Zubov’s record for most points in a season by a Stars defenseman. The ability was always there, the opportunities weren’t as he was saddled in more of a defensive role for most of his career. He still played the tough matchups but could be more of a real two-way threat playing behind better forwards. Dallas running a lot of their offense through the point also opened more chances for him to be creative on long-sustained possessions compared to previous years. He is a perfect secondary puck-carrier to Hintz and someone who can act as a true complement to the forwards to play that brand of “total hockey” the game is moving towards. The only trade-off here was that his defensive play wasn’t as lockdown as it was in previous years. It’s something the Stars will gladly take, though. The drop-off after Heiskanen on the Stars blue-line is stark and he remains their best option for all situations because of how much energy he conserves and how well he thinks the game even when fatigued. That said, every player has a limit on how much they can do, and the Stars put that to the test with Heiskanen last year.

Esa Lindell - D

While the Stars blue line lacks puck movers, they had plenty of guys who can get in the way and block shots. None of them are better at it than Esa Lindell, who finally got more help with handling some of the tougher matchups this year. His minutes were reduced at five-on-five with him playing more regularly on the second pair and he had one of his better seasons at driving play. The coaching change benefitted him in some ways, as his pair with Jani Hakanpaa soaked up most of the defensive minutes and playing with leads. Lindell’s best skills are denying entries and clearing the puck out of the zone, so he was very helpful in these situations where he wasn’t expected to create offense. Playing only 20-21 minutes a game instead of 23-24 also benefited him, as he was more refreshed on the penalty kill and not as worn down at the end of the year. The limitations are that he struggles to make any play with the puck that isn’t just clearing it out of the zone and that showed at times in the post-season. Relies a little too much on his reach to negate plays, which results in penalties and gives up more space to forwards than he takes away. Still one of the league’s underappreciated players.

Ryan Suter - D

It was a tale of two seasons for Suter, playing most of the year alongside Nils Lundkvist and Colin Miller, his role increased in the playoffs to becoming Miro Heiskanen’s partner on the top-pair. The Stars scrapping their by-committee approach to defense for most of the year and wanting Suter to play higher because he still has the cardio to play minutes. The legs were still there for him, but his decision-making in the playoffs proved costly at times, especially without the puck. His average ice time per game was in the 20-21 minute range, which was the lowest since his rookie year, and that jumped up to 23-24 minutes once the Seattle series rolled around. At 38-years old, Suter still does a lot in the doldrums of the game, decent at avoiding pressure to retrieve the puck and skates well enough to protect the middle on zone entries. The game-breaking mistakes just happen more often than you’d like to see out of your longest-tenured defenseman, and it became more of a problem when his role increased in the playoffs. His deteriorating puck skills also make him just another guy who can play big minutes on Dallas’ blue line rather than a difference maker, so it will be interesting to see how he is used next year.

Nils Lundkvist - D

In some ways Lundkvist had a good first season with Dallas. Six goals are nothing to sneeze at for a young defenseman and he got regular playing time for most of the year. The season didn’t end on a strong note, though. In fact, it ended in the press box after Thomas Harley was called up. Playing a similar game to Harley, Lundkvist was seen as expendable as veterans like Jani Hakanpaa, Colin Miller and Joel Hanely got in the lineup over him. He was acquired for a first-round pick from the Rangers just before the season started, filling a void for a secondary puck-mover to complement Heiskanen and he was given a pretty long rope in the early part of the season. Dallas used him on the power play and in a situational top-four role alongside Ryan Suter. The results at the end of the day were okay. He did what he was supposed to in providing some offense from the back end but didn’t have the trust from the coaching staff once April rolled around. Thomas Harley’s emergence could make it tough for Lundkvist to make his mark, but the Stars invested a lot to acquire him, and he still fills a need on Dallas’ mostly immobile blue line.

Goaltender

Jake Oettinger - G

An alarming number of teams are heading into the 2023-24 NHL season with huge question marks in net; between underperforming prospects and the lack of a good, strong transition class to fill in the gap between the Quick-Lundqvist-Rask era and the upcoming Wolf-Shestyorkin-Askarov era, more than a few franchises are stuck scrambling to find good starters to get them into the postseason and beyond.

Luckily for Stars fans, though, they don’t have to worry about that. While the number of elite-tier goaltenders in the mid-twenties age group is alarmingly small, Jake Oettinger – who has become the de facto number one in Dallas and easily one of their most valuable players – sits near the top of the pack. He’s heading into the second of the three-year deal he signed at the last minute last summer, leaving the Stars net situation as worry-free as Texas fans have seen in years.

Oettinger entered the NHL as a big, technical goaltender who shooters have trouble drawing away from his angles or positioning and who doesn’t like taking big risks. While some of the league’s more by-the-book prospects in the last few years found themselves bleeding shots almost as fast as the game had been coached into over-predictability, though, Oettinger’s powerful recovery speed and upper-tier read of the game – which leaves him able to afford some ‘fun’ saves in there – blend with a level of creativity that doesn’t make him easy to predict, but inspires plenty of confidence when it’s time to make routine saves. His decision-making skills should continue to help bring heart rates down across Dallas in the aftermath of an extended era of excitement for the Central Division team; while Anton Khudobin and Kari Lehtonen were exciting starters to watch during their respective eras, there’s something to be said for the comfortable reliability of what Oettinger has to offer.

Projected starts: 60-65

NHL PLAYOFF PREVIEW: DALLAS STARS VS VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS – Recent Stanley Cup finalists looking to complete unfinished business

Scott Cullen — Thu, 18 May 2023 13:47:17 +0000

The Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars have advanced through the second round and will meet in the Western Conference Final for a chance to play the winner of the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final.

Both the Stars and Golden Knights have reached the Stanley Cup Final recently. The Golden Knights are in their sixth season, so their entire history is recent, and they reached the Final in 2018, losing to the Washington Capitals. The Stars were defeated by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2020 Final.

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 08: Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alec Martinez (23), Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) and right wing Evgenii Dadonov (63) stand in front of Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights on April 8, 2023 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire)

Forwards

Vegas’s strength has been depth, and that has allowed them to overcome injuries throughout the season but also to receive contributions up and down the lineup. With a relatively healthy lineup in the postseason, Jack Eichel and Mark Stone are leading the way offensively, with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

However, seven more Golden Knights forwards have accrued at least five points through 11 playoff games. Ivan Barbashev and Jonathan Marchessault flank Eichel on the top line, and that trio has controlled better than 57% of expected goals during five-on-five play in the postseason. Marchessault started slowly in the playoffs, but produced eight points (5 G, 3 A) and 23 shots on goal in the last four games against Edmonton.

Mark Stone and speedy center Chandler Stephenson are a strong foundation on the second line, with Brett Howden moving up the depth chart to join them. Stephenson is tied for the team lead with six goals. Howden’s production dipped against Edmonton, but he does bring a physical presence in a supporting role.

Reilly Smith, William Karlsson, and Nicolas Roy give the Golden Knights a high quality third line. Smith and Karlsson both have produced eight points in 11 playoff games.

The fourth line of William Carrier, Teddy Blueger, and Keegan Kolesar does not score a lot, but will take a pound of flesh as Carrier and Kolesar lead the Golden Knights in hits/60 in the playoffs. Michael Amadio has appeared in nine playoff games, but Blueger joined the lineup for the last two games against Edmonton. Phil Kessel has not dressed for Vegas since Game 5 of the first round.

Roope Hintz has elevated his game in the postseason, leading the Stars with nine goals and 19 points in 13 playoff games. His shot rate has increased, and the Stars have controlled 68.5% of expected goals with Hintz on the ice during five-on-play in the playoffs. Jason Robertson has managed just two goals and while he has 10 assists and has been driving play, the Stars have room to get better if Robertson’s production gets back on track. Joe Pavelski suffered a concussion in Game 1 of the first round against Minnesota but scored eight goals in seven games against Seattle. That trio is in a strong contender for Like the Golden Knights, the Stars have a quality top nine and have been able to count on

Like the Golden Knights, the Stars have a quality top nine and have been able to count on any of their top three lines to chip in offensively. Veterans Max Domi, Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Evgenii Dadonov all have at least nine points. Mason Marchment and rookie Wyatt Johnston both contributed four goals and six points.

Radek Faksa, Luke Glendening, Joel Kiviranta, and Ty Dellandrea, in some combination, fill fourth line roles for the most part and they have had a mixed bag of results. For example, the Stars have controlled 55.3% of expected goals but have been outscored 9-3 with Dellandrea on the ice for five-on-five play in the playoffs.

Both teams have quality depth, but Vegas appears to have a deeper reservoir of talent up front.

Defense

Alex Pietrangelo has seven assists while playing more than 24 minutes per game but his most memorable play in the postseason may be his two-handed slash on Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl. Pietrangelo was suspended for Game 5 of that series as a result. He has paired with Alec Martinez and that pairing has had just 42.5 CF% and 46.7 xGF%, but they have somehow outscored the opposition 11-4 during five-on-five play.

Vegas’ second pairing of Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb, who offer a good mix of skills, from Theodore’s puck movement to McNabb’s bone-crunching hits, has been their most effective pair in the postseason. They have pulled 52.2% expected goals as a tandem in the playoffs, and they are the only two Vegas blueliners on the right side of 50% in that metric.

The Golden Knights’s third pair of Nic Hague and Zach Whitecloud is relatively solid. They have been on the wrong end of Corsi (47.3%) and expected goals (47.5%) but have outscored the opposition 6-3 in the postseason.

Miro Heiskanen had a tremendous season and has contributed nine assists while playing more than 28 minutes per game in 13 playoff games. While he has played a ton, Heiskanen has had just slightly positive results so far in the playoffs, with a 52.2 CF% and 51.7 xGF% while the Stars have outscored opponents 8-6 with Heiskanen on the ice. Paired with Ryan Suter, Heiskanen has been very good, but hardly dominant, in the postseason.

The trouble for the Stars lands on the second pair, where Jani Hakanpaa and Esa Lindell have managed just 43.5% of expected goals and been outscored 11-4 during five-on-five play in the playoffs. Hakanpaa was bumped from the defensive rotation for Colin Miller in Game 7 against Seattle.

Where the Stars have had an edge in the playoffs is with the third pair of Thomas Harley and Joel Hanley on the ice. Harley has seven points, and the Stars are controlling 63.2% of expected goals with him on the ice for five-on-five play. Hanley has appeared in eight games and the Stars have 69.2% of expected goals while outscoring opponents 8-2 with him on the ice during five-on-five play.

If Miller replacing Hakanpaa can’t fix the second pair, then that is an area of weakness for the Golden Knights to exploit.

While both clubs have some top end blueliners, there are points of vulnerability on both units. Considering the depth of forward talent on both teams, the challenge for the Golden Knights and Stars will be minimizing the potential mismatches.

Goaltending

Dallas’ Jake Oettinger was so highly regarded coming out of last season’s first round loss to Calgary and he was comfortably above average during the regular season, but he was unexpectedly shaky in the second round against Seattle, posting a .877 save percentage in seven games. Given his opposition, though, Oettinger should be expected to give the Stars an edge.

Vegas has been churning through goaltenders. The latest to take on the starting job is Adin Hill, who played well after jumping in for an injured Laurent Brossoit. Hill had a .915 save percentage in 27 regular-season games and put up a .934 save percentage in five games against the Oilers. Those are solid numbers but the challenge for Hill, and all Golden Knights goaltenders this season, is staying healthy for more than two weeks at a time.

Special Teams

Vegas’ power play has been a problem area and is the weakest in the postseason for the four teams remaining. The Golden Knights have scored 4.81 goals per 60 minutes of five-on-four play, which ranks 13^th. Eichel and Stone have combined to score five of Vegas’ seven power play goals in the playoffs.

Dallas’ power play was excellent during the regular season, ranking second in the league with 9.40 goals per 60 during five-on-four play, and that rate has improved in the postseason, up to 12.41. Tyler Seguin leads the Stars with four power play goals in the playoffs while Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz both have eight points with the man advantage.

The efficiency of the Stars’ power play could pose a major problem for the Golden Knights because Vegas’ PK has been abysmal. They have allowed 17.04 goals against per 60 during four-on-five play, ranking 15^th out of 16 playoff teams.

By contrast, the Stars’ penalty killing unit was strong during the regular season and that has carried over into the playoffs. Dallas has allowed 4.81 goals against per 60 at four-on-five, ranking third in the playoffs.

Conclusion

This should be a competitive series because both the Stars and Golden Knights have shown great resilience to reach this point of the playoffs. However, the Stars have a significant special teams edge and should likely have the better goaltender, which is enough to nudge this towards Big D. Stars in 7.

NHL: SZNAJDER – Sustainable or not? Battle for the Top of the Central Division Between Jets and Stars

Corey Sznajder — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:14:39 +0000

WINNIPEG, MB - NOVEMBER 08: Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston (53) is checked by Winnipeg Jets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois (80) and Winnipeg Jets defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) during the regular season game between the Winnipeg Jets and the Dallas Stars on November 8, 2022 at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg MB. (Photo by Terrence Lee/Icon Sportswire)

Unlike the team we examined two weeks ago, the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets are seeing some nice results under their new coaches. Both Pete DeBoer and Rick Bowness have their respective teams in a good spot sitting at the top of the Central Division and essentially playoff locks barring a collapse. They’ve taken advantage of what has been a disappointing Western Conference with teams like Colorado battling injuries and other bubble playoff teams like St. Louis and Nashville failing to gain any traction. Still, you have to give credit where it’s due because Dallas and Winnipeg have been the only consistent teams in the Central and should be looking to add come trade deadline time.

It's interesting to look at the paths both teams took to get here. Dallas moved on from Rick Bowness after riding a stout defense and an MVP-caliber season from all three members of their top line last year. Their top line could score at will while the rest of the forward corps while the rest of the forward corps were stuck in checking line roles on expensive price tags. They had the team defense and goaltending to win, but games were often a race to overtime when Jason Robertson’s line was shutdown. Sometimes a shift in approach can help and Pete DeBoer’s done just that.

There’s a little more focus on offense now as youngsters like Ty Dellandrea and Wyatt Johnston are regular top-nine players now and Jamie Benn is having one of his best seasons in years. It’s coming at the expense of their old “shutdown line” of Radek Faksa, who is playing more regular third line minutes after leading the team in five-on-five ice-time some nights during the Bowness era. There’s less of a focus on forwards fitting specialized “roles” and more about the best guys playing, which means a lot more minutes for their top trio of Robertson, Joe Pavelski and Roope Hintz.

This is a play that didn’t happen a lot from Dallas’ middle-six last season aside from the odd turnover. Despite his declining scoring numbers, Jamie Benn’s still a strong player at entering the zone and controlling the puck along the wall. Pairing him with a natural center like Wyatt Johnston means he can get ahead of the play and draw coverage while Dellandrea and Johnston do what they can to get open. Johnston was a terrific scorer in the OHL and you can see him do a great job of evading the pressure to create this chance. Unfortunately, he hit the goalpost and the game remained tied but you can see why Matty Beniers is the only rookie in the league with more goals.

This line has an interesting dynamic because at 19, Johnston isn’t quite ready to completely take over games just yet. He’s kind of playing that “vulture” role where your linemates have to do some of the legwork up the ice while you focus on reading the play and making yourself a passing option once the puck gets in the offensive zone or jumping on loose pucks. It’s a good way to develop a player because it’s finding the middle-ground of not throwing a kid to the wolves and not sticking him on the fourth line in a checking role. Both Johnston and Dellandrea seem to have found their footing in the NHL through this setup and it’s given Dallas’ forward depth more of a punch compared to recent years.

The same can’t be said for the defense corps, however. They haven’t found a running mate for Miro Heiskanen, who is logging the 7^th most minutes of all defensemen in the league right now and don’t trust off-season trade acquisition Nils Lundkvist with the job quite yet. Overall, though, the Stars are in good shape and have been one of the better five-on-five teams in the league this year. They’re getting enough scoring, are in the top-half of the league in most offensive categories and their stout defense from last season is still going strong.

The one blemish is their dreadful overtime record. After being built on overtime success last season, Dallas has won only three out of 12 games that have gone past regulation. It’s actually impressive that they’ve gotten to where they are in the standings despite this the only team currently in a playoff position with fewer OT wins is the Edmonton Oilers, who have gone past regulation only six times. Unfortunately for the Stars, this is one of those random things that happens every season and they’re on the wrong side of the coinflip after winning 15 out of 21 overtime games last season.

On the other side of the coin is Bowness’ new team, the Winnipeg Jets, who are 7-1 in overtime and two points behind Dallas in the standings. They haven’t played an overtime game since mid-December, but their luck here was a big part of why they got off to such a good start. They outperformed expectations, which were very low after a turbulent off-season thanks to outstanding play by Connor Hellebuyck, a great power play and overtime wins. Under the hood, however, were massive struggles at five-on-five.

They sat near the bottom of the league in terms of Expected Goals, didn’t have any consistency in their bottom-six and were cycling through waiver claims to fill roster spots and the team struggled to adapt to some of the intricacies of Bowness’ system. Thing started to turn in December, though. Winnipeg’s been giving up fewer chances the past 25 games and their Expected Goal Percentage is sitting at 52.1%, good for 10^th in the NHL. It’s always important to look at the underlying numbers, but sometimes it’s overlooked that teams can improve after a tough 20-25 games. The players adapting to Bowness’ system and the return of Nikolaj Ehlers have gone a long way to making the Jets look more like a legit contender instead of a paper tiger.

Overtime games were a big factor early in the season and now, they’re doing a great job of finishing games off in regulation with how well they defend.

Disruption is the name of the game and the Jets have gotten better at this as the season has gone on. You’ll notice that their defense are very stiff with how they hold the line and try to intercept passes and forwards are well-positioned behind them just in case something goes wrong. This is something they probably struggled with early in the season because it’s very hit-or-miss if you challenge and miss the puck or have a forward skate by you from being too aggressive. When it works, however, it’s perfect for defending leads. They’ve rostered some forwards who don’t have the best puck skills but are quick and can take away space on the forecheck. Longtime defenseman Josh Morrissey has also carried over his excellent play from last season (and gotten some more points to show for it) by being the rock of this defense corps. He takes covers the most ground in the defensive zone to make life easier for his partners and while it’s a tough role, he’s been up to the challenge so far.

The downside to how they play is that it limits your offense, especially with the type of players Winnipeg has loaded their bottom-six with. Notice that almost 10 minutes went by on the clock in the clip posted and Winnipeg was stuck on 18 shots the entire time, this is with them having plenty of zone time and possession in the offensive zone too. It means they have to be opportunistic in the times they do have the puck this year, which they have, as Scheifele is having a career season shooting-wise. It’s why you see them have games where they dominate and others where they have to win while getting outshot 35-15 and rely on their goaltending.

This standings battle will be interesting to watch for the rest of the year. It won’t have much of an impact on who makes the playoffs, but with Colorado on the rise, it will be more beneficial to the team with the top seed than to get stuck facing the defending champs in the first round. Dallas currently sits two points ahead and are hoping they can see some pucks go their way if things go to overtime. That or adopt the Jets mantra of trying to avoid overtime all together.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – DALLAS STARS – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 16:48:44 +0000

Wyatt Johnston of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

1 - Wyatt Johnston C

The 23^rd overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, Wyatt Johnston was a surprise to some to be a 1^st round pick, but Johnston is looking like one of the best players from the draft at the moment after a massive breakout year, solidifying the case for his draft positioning. The former 6^th overall selection in the 2019 OHL Draft had a strong rookie year, finishing with 30 points (12G,18A) in 53 games. Unfortunately, during the 2020-2021 season, Johnston did not play due to the Covid-19 shutdown. The only chance for Johnston to showcase himself that year was the U18 World Championship where he displayed his ability to adapt to a depth role while still producing. During the 2021-2022 season, Johnston took the OHL by storm and became one of the most dangerous players in the league. Finishing the season with 124 points (46G,78A) in 68 games, which was 1^st in the league in points, 3^rd in the league in goals, 2^nd in the league in assists and first on the team in points, goals and assists. Johnston’s best assets are his hockey sense and playmaking. He has the ability to take over a game because of his strong awareness in all three zones, knowing when to play aggressive or conservative. He’s strong defensively because of the intensity he brings on forechecks and in board battles, outworking his opponents often with an active stick and physicality. He’s able to read and anticipate plays very well, timing his passes perfectly and seeing passing lanes before they open, always making him a threat with the puck. He’s able to attack high danger scoring areas consistently and understands how to take advantage of a vulnerable opponents. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Johnston will once again look to dominate the league and be a player that every team will hate to play against. - DK

2 - Logan Stankoven C

You have to be a very special prospect with truly elite traits to succeed in hockey when you only stand 5'8”, and that description fits Stankoven to a T. He was picked by the Dallas Stars 49^th overall in 2021, though there are likely already other teams that are second-guessing not snagging the reigning CHL Player of the Year first when they had the chance. His hockey sense and work ethic are both exceptional, allowing him to be an impactful player on a shift-over-shift basis. He is seemingly always in the thick of the play because he has an Energizer Bunny motor that never quits and because he knows exactly where he needs to be and what he needs to do to help his team. He is especially tenacious on the forecheck, pickpocketing unsuspecting enemies, intercepting opposing passes and getting to loose pucks first. When he gets the puck on his stick his hands and feet work together in seamlessly frenetic motion, making him shifty and elusive, and he has a lethal shot that he can deposit through the smallest of openings and with a disguised release. The captain of the Kamloops Blazers, he exudes confidence and leadership, and amplifies his game in the biggest situations, as evidenced by his play in the WHL playoffs (17 goals and 31 points in 17 games) and also with the gold medal-winning Canadian team at the 2022 World Juniors (10 points in seven games). With equally talented young forwards like Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque to play with in the Stars organization it is easy to foresee Stankoven becoming a big-time point producer and fan favorite whenever he reaches the NHL. - DN

3 - Mavrik Bourque C

Mavrik Bourque is the offensive catalyst that led the Shawinigan Cataractes to win their first President Cup ever as the oldest franchise in the QMJHL. Bourque stands out from everyone else with his superior hockey sense that allows him to dominate a game with exceptional passing and playmaking abilities. Due to his smaller size, in combination with average skating ability, Bourque fell all the way to the end of the first round to the Dallas Stars in 2020. However, he has worked feverishly to improve his quickness and the results have spoken for themselves. Additionally, Bourque is now much stronger on the puck, making him so efficient at playing through traffic. He can just beat you in so many ways. Aged out of the QMJHL Bourque will join the Texas Stars in the AHL this upcoming season where he’ll look to make an immediate impact at this level. There may even be an outside chance that Bourque makes the Stars out of camp, given that they do have some openings at the forward position. But he will need to show that he is quick enough and strong enough to compete against men consistently. Bourque has the potential to become a top six forward at the NHL level and is easily one of the best prospects from the QMJHL. - EB

4 - Thomas Harley D

Even if Harley struggled at times in his NHL debut last season, the hope is that it was ultimately best for his development. He had performed well in the AHL and was ready for that next challenge. Even if his minutes and responsibilities were sheltered, the experience allowed him the opportunity to gain confidence at the NHL level. There were times where he struggled with his decision making and positioning, and there were others where he flashed his potential as a top four puck mover. Harley is at his best with the puck on his stick, where he can use his long strides to chew up ground as he pushes into the offensive zone. His skating ability (overall) is extremely impressive given his length. Over his OHL career, Harley has improved his defensive play a lot, especially in terms of his physicality, however the pro level has offered new challenges. He will need to continue to improve his strength and confidence to use his body to defend effectively at the NHL level. This coming season, he has an outstanding opportunity to make a profound impact as the replacement for John Klingberg, both at even strength and on the powerplay. With a new coaching staff in place, perhaps they can bring out the best in Harley and he can become a full time NHL contributor. - BO

5 - Ty Dellandrea C

Playing in his second pro season, Dellandrea had an excellent AHL campaign for Texas last year, finishing second in team scoring. The former 13th overall pick can still struggle with his offensive consistency, but he does so many other things well that it gives him a solid NHL projection. Best case scenario? Dellandrea continues to improve his play with the puck and his ability to make skilled plays through traffic. His shot is an asset, and he can play a power game, using his size and strength to get to the net and win battles along the wall. This leads him to become a quality middle six center not unlike someone like Mike Fisher. Worst case scenario? Dellandrea still develops into a quality fourth line center and penalty killer because of his speed, tenacity, and defensive potential. He is a very safe bet to be an NHL player in some capacity. This coming season, he will battle with some other Stars prospects (some of whom might currently be ahead of him on the depth chart) for a fourth line role with Dallas. Even if he has to spend another year in the AHL, it could be good for his development as an offensive player as he would build further confidence. - BO

6 - Riley Damiani C

Two years ago, Damiani was the breakout star of the Stars’ system. His outstanding freshman pro season led him to being named the AHL’s Rookie of the Year. Even though he was not able to mimic that same success last year (with the AHL operating at a higher level due to the elimination of the taxi squad at the NHL level), he remains a quality pro prospect. He even got his first taste of NHL action and scored his first NHL goal. Damiani is an extremely intelligent, playmaking pivot. He makes up for his lack of size with excellent vision and anticipation in the offensive end. He is also slippery with good agility and confidence on his edges, making him tough to contain as he eludes checks and sticks to keep plays alive. Like any smaller player who finds success at the pro level, Damiani is also a hard worker who is not afraid of playing through traffic or taking a hit to make a play. As such, he is an easy player to cheer for. This season, he will likely return to the AHL to continue improving upon his quickness and strength on the puck. He is probably at least another year away from being a full time NHL player. His potential as an NHL player is that of a middle six center who can excel on the powerplay and help to make his wingers better. - BO

7 - Lian Bichsel D

Bichsel was recently selected 18^th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2022 draft. He plays a high-energy game with a combination of size, physicality, and puck moving ability. Standing at 6’5” and 220 pounds, Bichsel is able to control gaps, defend the rush and make crushing hits against his opponents. While he is big, he still has the ability to be a factor in transition, generating speed with his skating stride while protecting the puck using his large frame. As a 17-year-old he was able to carve up a large role playing in the SHL for Leksands, playing up to 20 minutes of ice time per game, due to his physical defensive presence. That, plus his potential upside as a puck mover, is why the Stars felt comfortable using a mid-first round selection on him. There is some offensive potential for Bichsel, too, as he has shown he is willing to skate down low in the offensive end and utilize the give-and-go with his teammates. Last season, in 11 J20 games, Bichsel produced 7 points, while putting up three points in 29 SHL games in a more purely defensive-minded role. A late season concussion truly put a damper on Bichsel’s season as he was not able to showcase his skill at the U18’s against high-end competition of his own age. However, that did not hurt his draft stock as the Stars are banking on the strong physical presence and the potential offensive upside. Bichsel will look to maintain a top-4 role on Leksands in the SHL for the upcoming season while showcasing more of his offensive skills. - ZS

8 - Antonio Stranges LW

The 123rd overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, Antonio Stranges had a great season being one of the leaders and top producers on the Knights. The former 21st overall selection in the 2018 OHL Draft had a solid rookie season, finishing with 34 points (13G,21A) in 66 games. During the 2019-2020 season, Stranges didn’t have a big leap in production but showed good growth and finished with 40 points (19G,21A) in 61 games. In the 2020-2021 season, Stranges got the opportunity like some others to play in the AHL, which was an exception made because of the OHL being shutdown. Although he only played nine games, he still got great experience testing his abilities against pro’s and he managed to get one assist in his time in the AHL. During the 2021-2022 season, Stranges made the return to the OHL and came back hot, finishing with 84 points (31G,53A) in 60 games, which was 16th in the league for points, 11th in the league for assists, and 2nd on the team in all categories. Stranges best assets are his skating and puck handling. If you’ve watched Stranges play, you know about his mohawk skating and how well he utilizes it. He’s able to lead breakouts and drive play in transition consistently because he navigates through traffic so well and finds open space easily. Not only can he accelerate quickly and play with great pace, but he’s also very strong at beating opponents 1-1 with his quick and deceptive hands and great creativity. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Stranges will make his return to the AHL and look to gain more experience and test his abilities against pros. - DK

9 - Ayrton Martino LW

Perhaps the thing that sticks out most about Ayrton Martino is the fact that he’s scored everywhere he’s played. At the OJHL level, Martino dominated, routinely outclassing the lower competition level he faced through sheer skill. His tools carried him to USHL success, and his offensive abilities made him a productive freshman at Clarkson University. Martino was one of Clarkson’s most productive wingers as a freshman and figures to get a larger role moving forward. Martino’s offensive production comes from a wide variety of sources, and it’s the fact that he’s not over-reliant on one outstanding offensive tool that gives confidence that he’ll continue to score at the college level and perhaps even the pro level. Martino possesses great vision, and he’s always looking to make a creative pass. He doesn’t have great straight-line speed, but he’s good at manipulating what speed he does have to create space in his own zone. His edges do a lot of the work in helping give him time with the puck, but he may need to add another gear to his game to maintain his production as a pro. Martino should be a regular top scorer for Clarkson for the foreseeable future, and assuming he keeps that trajectory he’ll remain among the Stars’ more notable forward prospects. The real test for Martino will be seeing if his scoring will translate to the professional game. He has the overall skill level to do it, and the brain to effectively solve the problems pro hockey will present, but the main question is if he can get stronger and handle the physical rigors of playing against men. - EH

10 - Christian Kyrou D

The 50th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Christian Kyrou was one of the most divisive prospects in the OHL last year because of his high-end talent and skill, but some concerns around his skating. There is no doubt that Kyrou is a highly offensive defenseman with great instincts and awareness, but there are times where his skating hinders his ability to create space and separate himself from opponents. During the 2019-2020 season, Kyrou played 21 games in the OHL, but was unable to produce any points. With the OHL shutdown due to Covid-19, Kyrou had a big offseason to improve and come in stronger for the next season. In 2021-2022, Kyrou had a great season on a Sarnia Sting team that finished 3rd lowest in goals for, not giving him much to work with. Kyrou was still able to finish the season with 60 points (18G,42A) in 68 games which resulted in 3rd on his team in points, 4th in points by a defenseman, and also 3rd in goals by a defenseman. Kyrou’s best assets are his puck handling and his shot. Kyrou was the go-to player for the Otters the majority of the time in transition and in the offensive zone, being able to drive play with great poise, never looking overwhelmed with the puck. He’s able to use his quick hands to beat opponents 1-1 and deceive defenders to open up space. No matter where he was in the offensive zone, Kyrou was a scoring threat. His shot is both very quick and powerful, being able to get dangerous shots off with little time or space. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Kyrou will once again be the #1 defenseman for the Otters, playing heavy minutes and in all situations. If he is able to improve his skating, he will be one of the best offensive defensemen in the OHL. - DK

11 - George Fegaras

A pre-draft favourite of McKeen’s scouting director Brock Otten, Fegaras is an athletic two-way defender who will play in Muskegon (USHL) this year before attending Cornell the following year.

12 - Artyom Grushnikov

The offensive game is pretty much non-existent at this point, but Grushnikov did help Hamilton capture an OHL title this year as a pure, shutdown defender. His combination of size and mobility gives him an NHL projection.

13 - Ben Gleason

The former free agent signing is coming off his best AHL season to date and has put himself back in contention for an NHL roster spot. A mobile defender, Gleason’s defensive game has improved a lot in recent seasons.

14 - Francesco Arcuri

It was a breakout year for Arcuri, as he emerged as one of Kingston’s (OHL) most consistent offensive players. Arcuri is great in puck protection scenarios but still needs to upgrade his skating.

15 - Ryan Shea

The former Northeastern captain was way better in his second AHL season than his first, putting him in line for a potential NHL call up at some point this year. Shea is a mobile two-way blueliner with good vision.

16 - Fredrik Karlstrom

Likely being groomed to be a checking line center for Dallas, Karlstrom was used similarly by Texas in the AHL as a rookie pro last year. He will return to Texas this season with the hope that his offensive production increases.

17 - Conner Roulette

Roulette is a highly intelligent playmaking winger with Seattle of the WHL. If he can find a way to improve his skating further, he could be a potential pro.

18 - Matthew Seminoff

A competitive forechecker and tireless worker, Seminoff went much lower in the NHL draft than anticipated. The Kamloops winger will look to be a more consistent offensive player this coming season.

19 - Gavin White

White won an OHL Championship with Hamilton this past season. He is a highly mobile, offensive defender who is best classified as a late bloomer. He still needs to work on his defensive game, especially his ability to win battles in traffic, but there is upside.

20 - Jack Bar

A right shot defender with good mobility and physicality, Bar is a very raw prospect. His freshman year with Havard had some ups and downs, but Dallas knew they would have to be patient with his development.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – DALLAS STARS – NHL Player Profiles

Corey Sznajder – Forwards and Defense, Catherine Silverman - Goaltending — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 23:35:25 +0000

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 30: Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (24) skates with the puck during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars, held on March 30, 2021, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire)

FORWARDS

Jason Robertson

There aren’t enough stats to show how great Jason Robertson’s sophomore season was. He followed up a runner-up Calder campaign with a season that put him in the MVP conversation, scoring 41 goals and producing scoring chances at a rate that was among the league’s best. He was the triggerman on his line with Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski, but all three were interchangeable with how well they worked together. Robertson just had the golden touch, converting on almost 19% of his shots and he created chances at a higher rate than any player not named Auston Matthews. He is one of the more unique young stars in the game, not having the breakaway speed or an abundance of highlight reel goals. He just excelled at making plays under pressure, knowing where to go with the puck before he received it and finding creative ways to give himself room to shoot. Part of that is the chemistry with his linemates and knowing their tendencies. The other part is his skill, he was a fantastic goal-scorer in the OHL with skating as his only major “flaw.” It hasn’t been an issue in the NHL because he hasn’t needed to break away from defenders to give himself space to shoot. Instead, he can trail Hintz entering the zone or curl away from a defender to give himself just enough time to get the shot he wants. It’s a skill we don’t get to see much of with how fast the game moves now, but players like Robertson can make it happen. Some regression might be expected next year, very few players shoot at almost 20%, but his floor should stay very high with the volume of offense he produces.

Roope Hintz

While Robertson was the moneymaker for Dallas, Hintz was the burner. It’s tough to breakdown Dallas’ top line individually because they all had similar impacts but go about their business in different ways. As the de facto center, Hintz adds some element of speed to the trio and does most of the work in the neutral zone, facilitating most of their rush offense and creating space for both Robertson and Pavelski. He had most of the highlight reel goals from the group, both at 5v5 and on the penalty kill. Hintz converted on a high percentage of his shots for the third year in a row, showing a good nose for the net and being a problem for goaltenders with some of his breakaway moves. He could also score from distance with his wrister, but most of his success came around the blue paint, both off rebounds and deflections. The Dallas top line was firing on all cylinders on such a level that they could play any style they wanted and Hintz’s work off the rush gave them another dynamic element. Hintz was one of the few Dallas prospects who let his skill show in Dallas’ forecheck-heavy system and he has since emerged as one of the league’s best centers.

Joe Pavelski

It says a lot when the one guy on the Stars top line who didn’t have a sky-high shooting percentage still had a career year. At the ripe age of 37, Pavelski set a career high in points with 81, getting the full benefit of Robertson and Hintz’ outstanding finishing but the veteran had a great year independent of that. Still one of the better two-way players in the league, Pavelski is the prime example of “less is more” and adapting to your surroundings. He excels at making plays in tight spaces, reading off his linemates and winning box-outs against defenders. It’s probably why he’s been able to debunk the aging curve, which is an understatement when you look at what he has given the Stars the past two seasons. A decline in boxcar stats should be expected, but he’s never been the fastest skater or the most physically gifted player, so it’s been easier for him to stay an effective player despite whatever curveball father time throws his way. Not too different from his Joe counterpart in San Jose. Signed for one more year at $5.5 million, he will continue to be the glue on the Stars top line.

Tyler Seguin

Seguin getting back to the 20-goal mark was a feel-good story for the Stars. A couple years removed from “losing his entire quad” it has been a long road back from the former second overall pick. Most of his value came from scoring, as the speed of the game looked too much for him at time and he didn’t produce the level of offense we’re used to seeing from him. Instead, you saw more goals off deflections or broken plays in front of the net, which is what you have to do when most of your explosiveness is gone. What they got from him last year is fine (49 points from a middle-six winger is nothing to scoff at), but for the contract the Stars have him signed to, it’s a bit of an albatross. They can only hope that time helps him regain some of his old form, even if the history of players coming off labral tears isn’t promising. He showed glimpses of his old self in stretches, but it’s tough to say if his body can keep up with the rigors of a full NHL season anymore.

Jamie Benn

The past few years of Jamie Benn paint a decent picture of what the back half of a long-term contract looks like for a power forward. Benn in particular has seen his offense dry up, coming off an 18-goal season where only nine came during five-on-five play. It’s a far cry from the player who could bullrush his way to the net. Not all the offense has left him, as he’s still good with winning pucks along the wall and getting to the scoring areas. Most of the high-end skill, however, hasn’t shown up on a consistent basis. Some of that is from poor finishing luck, his shooting percentage has been stuck in the mud for years now, and the other is him becoming more one-dimensional in the offensive zone. Stuck in more of a net-front role, most of your value is going to be based on how many plays you finish off and it’s been the major drawback of Benn’s game. Having Tyler Seguin replace Jason Dickinson as his regular linemate also impacted this, as he was tasked with providing more offense instead of only focusing on checking. His contract is what it is ($9.5 mil for three more years) so Benn just needs to do what he can to be effective. If that means being on the positive side of the goals and scoring chance battle, Dallas will live with it even if his offense continues to decline.

Mason Marchment

Only two players in the entire league produced at a higher rate during five-on-five play than Marchment. He showed some remarkable chemistry with Anton Lundell and Sam Reinhart with Florida, similar to what Dallas had in a smaller role. Marchment was the muscle of the line, being a pest on the forecheck doing most of the dirty work below the goal line. His skill seemed to catch teams off-guard because he has the body of a lanky, hard-hitting defenseman and skates with a really choppy stride. You wouldn’t expect him to nail so many one-timers or make so many between-the-legs passes as he does. He rode the wave with the rest of Florida’s historic offense, so the question is how it will translate to Dallas. Lundell and Reinhart were a great complement to him, with those two doing most of the puck-handling. Marchment plays such a strong defensive game that he should help any line he is on. His point production, however, might take a hit. Marchment was in a great situation last year, playing in an offense focused system with linemates who did most of the puck-handling, giving plenty of room to create scoring chances. Dallas isn’t blessed with that type of forward talent so the most they can hope for is for Marchment’s strong play-driving presence can revive Seguin or Benn’s games and make them a productive second line.

Radek Faksa

One of ex-head coach Rick Bowness’ favorite players, Faksa was the most relied on defensive center for Dallas, starting most of his shifts in the shadow of his own goalie and receiving heavy penalty killing duty. Every season his minutes have gone up while his offense has declined, stuck with a single-digit goal total for the second year in a row. Formerly a 15-17 goal guy, Faksa could be an interesting player to watch under the new coaching staff. It was rare for him to even step foot over the opposing blue line with the role he played. It’s something that could change under Peter DeBoer, if only because Dallas is still very thin at forward and they have another defense-first center option in Luke Glendening. Faksa has shown some goal-scoring touch in the past while still playing a checking role before, so that’s the one hope for Faksa to get back to the 15-goal mark. That or have some of his defensive stats rebound with a less taxing role.

Denis Gurianov

Once a touted goal-scorer, Gurianov found himself in depth forward purgatory heading into this season. He is still a shoot-first player but hasn’t converted on many of those shots. He was Seguin and Benn’s wingman for most of the year, which unfortunately meant having to drive the line on his own some nights, which he struggled to do. Most of his points came off broken plays or a rebound of his own shot. He couldn’t be unleashed on the power play, as he was stuck on the second unit and most teams knew his shot from the right circle was coming. Still, he had flashes. In the games where the top line had an off-night, Gurianov could pick up the slack with his penchant for creating off the rush. It’s something that turned a few games around for Dallas and makes him a valuable player even if his overall stats leave you wanting more. He will be given a fresh start with the new coaching staff but finding linemates who can set him up will be a challenge unless the top line gets broken up.

DEFENSE

Miro Heiskanen

Will this be the year Heiskanen emerges as a Norris front-runner? It’s only his fifth year in the league and he excels at so many things that even the best defensemen in the league struggle with. Whether it’s killing plays along the wall, defending one-on-one or skating away from pressure, Heiskanen does it better than almost anyone else in the league. It’s fair to ask if he even needs to have the gaudy point totals to get Norris talk. Unfortunately, it’s just the nature of the beast and it could see a shift this year with John Klingberg’s spot on the top power play unit up for grabs. Heiskanen has a lot of tools that could make him Dallas’ version of Roman Josi. He skates so effortlessly and is great at commanding the offensive zone, so it’s easy to see him having a similar impact with better finishing from the guys in front of him. It’s the one area of his game where the skill hasn’t translated to results and while some of it is out of his control, most who follow the Stars have been waiting for this type of breakout since his rookie season. Things are lining up for him to have that offensive explosion. He is already among the league’s top blue-liners at creating scoring chances, needs to pick up some of John Klingberg’s slack and is now playing for a coach who oversaw career offensive seasons from Brent Burns, Shea Theodore and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Will Miro be next in line?

Ryan Suter

Few players fit the “quietly goes about their business’ description better than Ryan Suter. It’s tough to recall any highlights from his first season with the Stars but in the big picture, he played in the top-three all season and held the fort down. He isn’t the automatic breakout or shadow in the defensive zone that he used to be, so his impact is a little more neutral now than a dominant presence. It’s a little concerning because the Klingberg departure and the decision to replace him from within could force Suter back into the 25–27-minute range, especially if he is Heiskanen’s partner again. Suter will always have the cardio to play those minutes, but the decision-making and ability to keep forwards to the outside is where his game has slowed down. He will usually patrol the front of the net instead of skating forwards into a corner and doesn’t have the same accuracy when going for the long stretch pass. DeBoer could make things easier for him, as he did with Alec Martinez in Vegas, but it’s still a lot to ask for someone who is about to turn 38 and has a lot of miles on his tires. Thomas Harley emerging as a top-four guy could help Suter in the long run.

Esa Lindell

Lindell has one of the most thankless jobs in the league, playing 20+ minutes and spending most of it either blocking shots or killing penalties. He will occasionally break for offense, producing like a middle-pair defenseman for most of his career, but he is usually focused on preventing damage. That means throwing a lot of hits and standing up at the blue line to try to prevent entries. He has always been great at this role, it’s just a question of how much longer he can play it before his body starts to breakdown. That and this is the first year where he won’t have Klingberg by his side, which could mean more responsibility for him to move the puck instead of just clearing it out of the zone. He has shown some upside here in the past, scoring 11 goals back in 2018-19 with some modest power play production sprinkled in. It is very tough to transition to a completely different mindset when you’ve been in the same role forever, but Dallas’ has a lack of mobility on their blue line, which could force Lindell to play in more offensive situations. Whether or not he can handle that remains to be seen.

Colin Miller

Colin Miller’s stint in Buffalo is proof of how tough it is to make the jump to the top-pair for even the most talented defensemen. The Sabres were hoping he could be a running-mate for Dahlin after he dominated territorial play on Vegas’ third pair. Instead, they got three years of him shuffled around the lineup, including a handful of healthy scratches, and him struggling to translate his impressive physical traits into game situations. Miller isn’t the only Sabres defenseman who struggled to keep his head above water, so he gets to have a fresh start on a Dallas team with more structure. It shouldn’t be too hard for him to find a niche under DeBoer. He’s a lanky, mobile defenseman with a big shot, boasting a similar profile to guys DeBoer got good miles out of in Vegas, even if it’s in a depth role. With Miller having a track record as a great third-pair guy, he should get a chance to turn his career around in Dallas. There also might be a chance to move up in the lineup with Jani Hakanpaa currently slotting in on the Stars second pair.

GOALTENDING

Jake Oettinger

There was a big asterisk next to Jake Oettinger’s name for the majority of the off-season, with the Stars coming down to the eleventh hour on contract negotiations with the restricted free agent before inking him to a three-year deal worth $4 million each season.

Now that he’s signed, though, there’s little that the Stars need to worry about with Oettinger at the helm. The team has dealt with a few too many bad calls in signing experienced veteran netminders over the last decade, so Oettinger truly checks all their boxes in a way fans haven’t seen in years. He’ll turn 24 mid-season, giving him plenty of mileage left in the tank; add in two seasons of impressive NHL numbers as an option in their rotating goaltending carousel, and this might be the first safe and consistent bet Dallas has deployed since the Marty Turco era. They brought in a more reliable number two for Oettinger as well, acquiring Scott Wedgewood not to compete for starts, but to supplement their heir apparent. From a technical standpoint, there’s little about Oettinger’s game that still needs significant clean-up, either – he seems to love catching shooters by surprise and throwing in a few dramatic stops here and there, but also keeps a consistent baseline to his game’s foundation that emphasizes conservative movement within the blue paint and a front-facing stance. In other words, fans might watch him throw himself to the ice a time or two, but he won’t often get caught facing the pipes and spun in circles trying to track the puck; it makes him fun to watch without the element of stress that some of Dallas’ more colorful past backstops have brought to the table.

Projected starts: 60-65

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Top 300 Prospect Rankings

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 17:09:56 +0000

These are our final prospect ranking prior to the start of the season. As a subscriber you can download the list in an excel chart and can link to the player pages in the chart found here. As always, the rankings you see below are based on our 20-80 scouting system looking at five categories for skaters (Skating, Shot, Puck Skills, Hockey Smarts, Physicality) and six for netminders (Athleticism/Quickness/Speed, Compete/Temperament, Vision/Play Reading, Technique/Style, Rebound Control, Puck Handling). Our prospect team spent large portions of their last few months pre-COVID in the rinks, watching the players below and many others, and further work on video (Instat Hockey has been a terrific resource in recent days) before passing judgement on their future projections.

The 20-80 scouting system is meant to allow players from different leagues in different parts of the world to be compared to one another, such that grades on a player in the OHL can be directly compared to grades from an AHL player, and to grades of someone playing in the MHL.

PROSPECT CRITERIA

Players under 26 years of age as of the September 15th prior (Sep. 15, 1994) to the season in question who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in any one season – or 25 last year (20 for goalies, 15 last season) are considered prospects

RANK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	ACQUIRED
1	Alexis Lafreniere	NYR	LW	19	6-1/195	`20(1st)
2	Tim Stutzle	Ott	C	18	6-1/185	`20(3rd)
3	Quinton Byfield	LA	C	18	6-4/215	`20(2nd)
4	Trevor Zegras	Ana	C	19	6-0/170	`19(9th)
5	Kirill Kaprizov	Min	LW	23	5-10/200	`15(135th)
6	Lucas Raymond	Det	LW	18	5-11/170	`20(4th)
7	Dylan Cozens	Buf	C	19	6-3/185	`19(7th)
8	Bowen Byram	Col	D	19	6-0/195	`19(4th)
9	Peyton Krebs	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`19(17th)
10	Jake Sanderson	Ott	D	18	6-1/185	`20(5th)
11	Moritz Seider	Det	D	19	6-3/185	`19(6th)
12	Jamie Drysdale	Ana	D	18	5-11/175	`20(6th)
13	Igor Shesterkin	NYR	G	25	6-1/190	`14(118th)
14	Alexander Holtz	NJ	RW	18	6-0/190	`20(7th)
15	Cole Perfetti	Wpg	LW	19	5-10/180	`20(10th)
16	Marco Rossi	Min	C	19	5-9/185	`20(9th)
17	Vasili Podkolzin	Van	RW	19	6-1/190	`19(10th)
18	Victor Soderstrom	Ari	D	19	5-11/180	`19(11th)
19	Nick Robertson	Tor	LW	19	5-9/160	`19(53rd)
20	Cole Caufield	Mtl	RW	19	5-7/165	`19(15th)
21	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	18	6-3/175	`20(11th)
22	Spencer Knight	Fla	G	19	6-3/195	`19(13th)
23	Philip Broberg	Edm	D	19	6-3/200	`19(8th)
24	Jack Quinn	Buf	RW	19	6-0/180	`20(8th)
25	Matthew Boldy	Min	LW	19	6-1/190	`19(12th)
26	Nils Lundkvist	NYR	D	20	5-11/180	`18(28th)
27	Seth Jarvis	Car	RW	18	5-10/175	`20(13th)
28	Ty Smith	NJ	D	20	5-10/180	`18(17th)
29	Grigori Denisenko	Fla	LW	20	5-11/185	`18(15th)
30	Barrett Hayton	Ari	C	20	6-1/190	`18(5th)
31	Alex Newhook	Col	C	19	5-10/195	`19(16th)
32	Thomas Harley	Dal	D	19	6-3/190	`19(18th)
33	Alex Turcotte	LA	C	19	5-11/185	`19(5th)
34	Vitali Kravtsov	NYR	RW	21	6-3/185	`18(9th)
35	Philip Tomasino	Nsh	C	19	5-11/180	`19(24th)
36	Connor McMichael	Wsh	C	19	5-11/175	`19(25th)
37	Dawson Mercer	NJ	C	19	6-0/180	`20(18th)
38	Ilya Sorokin	NYI	G	25	6-2/180	`14(78th)
39	Gabriel Vilardi	LA	RW	21	6-3/200	`17(11th)
40	Ryan Merkley	SJ	D	20	5-11/170	`18(21st)
41	Alexander Romanov	Mtl	D	20	5-11/185	`18(38th)
42	Kaiden Guhle	Mtl	D	18	6-2/190	`20(16th)
43	Samuel Poulin	Pit	LW	19	6-1/205	`19(21st)
44	K'Andre Miller	NYR	D	20	6-3/205	`18(22nd)
45	Scott Perunovich	StL	D	22	5-10/175	`18(45th)
46	Evan Bouchard	Edm	D	21	6-2/195	`18(10th)
47	Braden Schneider	NYR	D	19	6-2/200	`20(19th)
48	Juuso Valimaki	Cgy	D	22	6-2/205	`17(16th)
49	Cam York	Phi	D	19	5-11/175	`19(14th)
50	Anton Lundell	Fla	C	19	6-1/185	`20(12th)
51	Morgan Frost	Phi	C	21	5-11/180	`17(27th)
52	Owen Tippett	Fla	RW	21	6-1/200	`17(10th)
53	Albert Johansson	Det	D	19	5-11/165	`19(60th)
54	Liam Foudy	CBJ	C	20	6-0/175	`18(18th)
55	Kieffer Bellows	NYI	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(19th)
56	Arthur Kaliyev	LA	RW	19	6-2/190	`19(33rd)
57	Oliver Wahlstrom	NYI	RW	20	6-1/205	`18(11th)
58	Nils Hoglander	Van	RW	20	5-9/185	`19(40th)
59	Matias Maccelli	Ari	LW	20	5-11/170	`19(98th)
60	Tobias Bjornfot	LA	D	19	6-0/200	`19(22nd)
61	Jacob Bernard-Docker	Ott	D	20	6-0/180	`18(26th)
62	Connor Zary	Cgy	C	19	6-0/180	`20(24th)
63	Dominik Bokk	Car	RW	20	6-1/180	T(StL-9/19)
64	Ryan Suzuki	Car	C	19	6-0/180	`19(28th)
65	Dylan Samberg	Wpg	D	21	6-3/190	`17(43rd)
66	Jake Bean	Car	D	22	6-1/175	`16(13th)
67	Josh Norris	Ott	C	21	6-1/195	T(SJ-9/18)
68	Rasmus Kupari	LA	C	20	6-1/185	`18(20th)
69	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	19	5-9/165	`19(26th)
70	Drake Batherson	Ott	RW	22	6-1/190	`17(121st)
71	Jan Jenik	Ari	RW	20	6-1/180	`18(65th)
72	John-Jason Peterka	Buf	LW	18	5-11/190	`20(34th)
73	Kirill Marchenko	CBJ	LW	20	6-3/190	`18(49th)
74	Bode Wilde	NYI	D	20	6-2/195	`18(41st)
75	John Beecher	Bos	C	19	6-3/210	`19(30th)
76	Tyler Madden	LA	C	21	5-10/155	T(Van-2/20)
77	Jack Studnicka	Bos	C	21	6-1/170	`17(53rd)
78	Jake Oettinger	Dal	G	22	6-4/210	`17(26th)
79	Alex Formenton	Ott	LW	21	6-2/165	`17(47th)
80	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	19	6-3/200	`19(49th)
81	Calen Addison	Min	D	20	5-10/180	T(Pit-2/20)
82	Ty Dellandrea	Dal	C	20	6-0/185	`18(13th)
83	Akil Thomas	LA	C	20	5-11/170	`18(51st)
84	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	18	5-10/180	`20(30th)
85	Ian Mitchell	Chi	D	21	5-11/175	`17(57th)
86	Jason Robertson	Dal	LW	21	6-2/195	`17(39th)
87	Hendrix Lapierre	Wsh	C	18	5-11/180	`20(22nd)
88	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`20(29th)
89	Theodor Niederbach	Det	C	18	5-11/175	`20(51st)
90	Zac Jones	NYR	D	20	5-10/175	`19(68th)
91	Robert Mastrosimone	Det	LW	19	5-10/160	`19(54th)
92	Joe Veleno	Det	C	20	6-1/195	`18(30th)
93	Rodion Amirov	Tor	LW	19	6-0/170	`20(15th)
94	Jake Neighbours	StL	LW	18	5-11/195	`20(26th)
95	Julien Gauthier	NYR	RW	23	6-4/225	T(Car-2/20)
96	Justus Annunen	Col	G	20	6-4/215	`18(64th)
97	Egor Zamula	Phi	D	20	6-4/175	FA(9/18)
98	Shane Pinto	Ott	C	20	6-2/190	`19(32nd)
99	Noel Gunler	Car	RW	19	6-2/175	`20(41st)
100	Ridly Greig	Ott	C	18	5-11/165	`20(28th)
101	Jesse Ylonen	Mtl	RW	21	6-1/185	`18(35th)
102	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	20	6-0/195	`19(50th)
103	Mattias Norlinder	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`19(64th)
104	Olli Juolevi	Van	D	22	6-3/200	`16(5th)
105	Kristian Vesalainen	Wpg	LW	21	6-3/205	`17(24th)
106	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	20	6-4/195	`19(38th)
107	Jan Mysak	Mtl	C	18	5-11/180	`20(49th)
108	Cayden Primeau	Mtl	G	21	6-3/180	`17(199th)
109	Pavel Dorofeyev	VGK	LW	20	6-1/170	`19(79th)
110	Morgan Barron	NYR	C	22	6-2/200	`17(174th)
111	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	19	5-11/180	`19(20th)
112	Dylan Holloway	Edm	C	19	6-0/205	`20(14th)
113	Jack Dugan	VGK	RW	22	6-2/185	`17(142nd)
114	Alexander Khovanov	Min	C	20	5-11/195	`18(86th)
115	Jacob Perreault	Ana	RW	18	5-11/195	`20(27th)
116	Jake Evans	Mtl	C	24	6-0/185	`14(207th)
117	Adam Beckman	Min	LW	19	6-1/170	`19(75th)
118	Jett Woo	Van	D	20	6-0/205	`18(37th)
119	Nolan Foote	NJ	LW	20	6-3/190	T(TB-2/20)
120	Logan Brown	Ott	C	22	6-6/220	`16(11th)
121	Martin Kaut	Col	RW	21	6-1/175	`18(16th)
122	Jack Rathbone	Van	D	21	5-10/175	`17(95th)
123	Ozzy Wiesblatt	SJ	RW	18	5-10/185	`20(31st)
124	Ryan O'Rourke	Min	D	18	6-0/180	`20(39th)
125	Lukas Reichel	Chi	LW	18	6-0/170	`20(17th)
126	Jordan Harris	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`18(71st)
127	Lukas Dostal	Ana	G	20	6-1/170	`18(85th)
128	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/205	`19(45th)
129	Conor Timmins	Col	D	22	6-1/185	`17(32nd)
130	Lassi Thomson	Ott	D	20	6-0/190	`19(19th)
131	Eeli Tolvanen	Nsh	RW	21	5-10/175	`17(30th)
132	Kasper Simontaival	LA	RW	18	5-9/180	`20(66th)
133	Roni Hirvonen	Tor	C	18	5-9/165	`20(59th)
134	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	18	5-9/180	`20(38th)
135	Benoit-Olivier Groulx	Ana	C	20	6-1/195	`18(54th)
136	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	18	6-4/200	`20(44th)
137	Tyson Foerster	Phi	C	18	6-1/195	`20(23rd)
138	Helge Grans	LA	D	18	6-2/205	`20(35th)
139	Jonathan Dahlen	SJ	LW	23	5-11/185	T(Van-2/19)
140	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	18	5-11/175	`20(37th)
141	Alexander Alexeyev	Wsh	D	21	6-3/200	`18(31st)
142	Pierre-Olivier Joseph	Pit	D	21	6-2/170	`17(23rd)
143	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	18	5-10/160	`20(64th)
144	Oskari Laaksonen	Buf	D	21	6-2/165	`17(89th)
145	Filip Hallander	Tor	LW	20	6-1/185	T(Pit-8/20)
146	Serron Noel	Fla	RW	20	6-5/205	`18(34th)
147	Martin Chromiak	LA	LW	18	6-0/185	`20(128th)
148	Shakir Mukhamadullin	NJ	D	18	6-3/180	`20(20th)
149	Mattias Samuelsson	Buf	D	20	6-3/215	`18(32nd)
150	Janne Kuokkanen	NJ	LW	22	6-1/190	T(Car-2/20)
151	Ryan Johnson	Buf	D	19	6-0/175	`19(31st)
152	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	19	5-8/175	`20(124th)
153	Martin Fehervary	Wsh	D	21	6-1/190	`18(46th)
154	Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen	Buf	G	21	6-4/195	`17(54th)
155	Will Lockwood	Van	RW	22	5-11/175	`16(64th)
156	Isac Lundestrom	Ana	C	21	6-0/185	`18(23rd)
157	Michael DiPietro	Van	G	21	6-0/195	`17(64th)
158	Jonatan Berggren	Det	RW	20	5-10/185	`18(33rd)
159	Kevin Bahl	NJ	D	20	6-6/230	T(Ari-12/19)
160	Aliaksei Protas	Wsh	C	19	6-5/205	`19(91st)
161	Reilly Walsh	NJ	D	21	5-11/180	`17(81st)
162	Nick Abruzzese	Tor	C	21	5-9/160	`19(124th)
163	Tyler Tucker	StL	D	20	6-1/205	`18(200th)
164	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	19	5-10/170	`19(129th)
165	Klim Kostin	StL	C	21	6-3/195	`17(31st)
166	Brayden Tracey	Ana	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(29th)
167	Joel Hofer	StL	G	20	6-3/160	`18(107th)
168	Joey Anderson	Tor	RW	22	6-0/195	T(NJ-10/20)
169	Yegor Spiridonov	SJ	C	19	6-2/195	`19(108th)
170	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	19	6-1/205	`20(36th)
171	Joey Keane	Car	D	21	6-0/185	T(NYR-2/20)
172	Jared McIsaac	Det	D	20	6-1/195	`18(36th)
173	Jamieson Rees	Car	C	19	5-10/175	`19(44th)
174	Ivan Morozov	VGK	C	20	6-1/180	`18(61st)
175	Rem Pitlick	Nsh	C	23	5-11/200	`16(76th)
176	Tyce Thompson	NJ	RW	21	6-0/170	`19(96th)
177	Michael McLeod	NJ	C	22	6-2/195	`16(12th)
178	Jaret Anderson-Dolan	LA	C	21	5-11/190	`17(41st)
179	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	19	6-0/165	`19(214th)
180	Antti Tuomisto	Det	D	19	6-4/190	`19(35th)
181	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	18	5-9/155	`20(134th)
182	Luke Evangelista	Nsh	RW	18	5-11/170	`20(42nd)
183	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	18	6-1/180	`20(52nd)
184	Joni Ikonen	Mtl	C	21	5-10/170	`17(58th)
185	Olivier Rodrigue	Edm	G	20	6-1/165	`18(62nd)
186	Lucas Elvenes	VGK	RW	21	6-0/175	`17(127th)
187	Anthony Angello	Pit	RW	24	6-5/205	`14(145th)
188	Tuukka Tieksola	Car	RW	19	5-10/160	`19(121st)
189	Declan Chisholm	Wpg	D	20	6-1/190	`18(150th)
190	Cole Koepke	TB	LW	22	6-1/195	`18(183rd)
191	Valtteri Puustinen	Pit	RW	21	5-9/185	`19(203rd)
192	Ty Smilanic	Fla	C	18	6-1/175	`20(74th)
193	Patrik Puistola	Car	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(73rd)
194	Justin Barron	Col	D	19	6-2/190	`20(25th)
195	Andrew Peeke	CBJ	D	22	6-3/210	`16(34th)
196	Michael Vukojevic	NJ	D	19	6-3/210	`19(82nd)
197	Alec Regula	Chi	D	20	6-3/200	T(Det-10/19)
198	Connor Corcoran	VGK	D	20	6-1/185	`18(154th)
199	Jeremy Swayman	Bos	G	22	6-1/190	`17(111th)
200	Pyotr Kochetkov	Car	G	21	6-1/175	`19(36th)
201	Mikey Anderson	LA	D	21	6-0/195	`17(103rd)
202	Carter Savoie	Edm	LW	18	5-9/190	`20(100th)
203	Samuel Walker	TB	C	21	5-11/160	`17(200th)
204	William Wallinder	Det	D	18	6-4/190	`20(32nd)
205	Jack Drury	Car	C	20	5-11/180	`18(42nd)
206	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	18	5-9/185	`20(54th)
207	Cal Petersen	LA	G	26	6-3/190	FA(7/17)
208	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	18	6-0/200	`20(72nd)
209	Tarmo Reunanen	NYR	D	22	6-0/180	`16(98th)
210	Simon Holmstrom	NYI	RW	19	6-1/185	`19(23rd)
211	Aleksi Saarela	Fla	RW	23	5-11/200	T(Chi-10/19)
212	Anton Johannesson	Wpg	D	18	5-9/155	`20(133rd)
213	Lauri Pajuniemi	NYR	RW	21	6-0/185	`18(132nd)
214	Morgan Geekie	Car	C	22	6-2/180	`17(67th)
215	Shane Bowers	Col	C	21	6-2/190	T(Ott-11/17)
216	Sasha Chmelevski	SJ	C	21	5-11/190	`17(185th)
217	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	20	5-8/155	`18(43rd)
218	Cole Schwindt	Fla	RW	19	6-2/185	`19(81st)
219	Hugo Alnefelt	TB	G	19	6-3/195	`19(71st)
220	Nikita Okhotyuk	NJ	D	20	6-1/195	`19(61st)
221	Sampo Ranta	Col	LW	20	6-2/205	`18(78th)
222	Alexander Volkov	TB	LW	23	6-1/190	`17(48th)
223	Alexander True	SJ	C	23	6-5/205	FA(7/18)
224	John Leonard	SJ	C	22	5-11/190	`18(182nd)
225	Carl Grundstrom	LA	LW	23	6-0/195	T(Tor-1/19)
226	Dmitri Semykin	TB	D	20	6-3/200	`18(90th)
227	Cal Foote	TB	D	22	6-4/215	`17(14th)
228	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	18	5-11/175	`20(75th)
229	Alex Barre-Boulet	TB	C	23	5-10/165	FA(3/18)
230	Tristen Robins	SJ	RW	19	5-10/175	`20(56th)
231	Max Gildon	Fla	D	21	6-3/190	`17(66th)
232	Nikita Alexandrov	StL	C	20	6-0/180	`19(62nd)
233	Michael Benning	Fla	D	18	5-9/180	`20(95th)
234	Justin Sourdif	Fla	RW	18	5-11/175	`20(87th)
235	Tanner Laczynski	Phi	C	23	6-1/200	`16(169th)
236	Eamon Powell	TB	D	18	5-11/165	`20(116th)
237	Kaedan Korczak	VGK	D	19	6-3/190	`19(41st)
238	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	18	6-1/180	`20(47th)
239	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	21	5-10/175	`18(171st)
240	Pius Suter	Chi	C	24	5-11/170	FA(7/20)
241	Wade Allison	Phi	RW	23	6-2/205	`16(52nd)
242	Bobby Brink	Phi	RW	19	5-10/165	`19(34th)
243	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	18	5-10/180	`20(68th)
244	David Farrance	Nsh	D	21	5-11/190	`17(92nd)
245	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	18	6-2/185	`20(33rd)
246	Dmitri Voronkov	CBJ	LW	20	6-4/190	`19(114th)
247	German Rubtsov	Phi	C	22	6-2/190	`16(22nd)
248	Vitaly Abramov	Ott	RW	22	5-9/175	T(CBJ-2/19)
249	Alex Laferriere	LA	RW	19	6-0/175	`20(83rd)
250	Trey Fix-Wolansky	CBJ	RW	21	5-8/185	`18(204th)
251	Isaac Ratcliffe	Phi	LW	21	6-5/200	`17(35th)
252	Kale Clague	LA	D	22	6-0/180	`16(51st)
253	Landon Slaggert	Chi	LW	18	5-11/180	`20(79th)
254	Wyatt Kalynuk	Chi	D	23	6-1/180	FA(7/20)
255	Mikko Kokkonen	Tor	D	19	5-11/200	`19(84th)
256	Kevin Mandolese	Ott	G	20	6-4/180	`18(157th)
257	Daniil Tarasov	CBJ	G	21	6-5/185	`17(86th)
258	Evan Barratt	Chi	C	21	6-0/190	`17(90th)
259	Tyler Benson	Edm	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(32nd)
260	Yegor Korshkov	Tor	RW	24	6-4/215	`16(31st)
261	Hunter Skinner	NYR	D	19	6-2/175	`19(112th)
262	Riley Damiani	Dal	C	20	5-9/165	`18(137th)
263	Ryan McLeod	Edm	C	21	6-2/205	`18(40th)
264	Ilya Konovalov	Edm	G	22	6-0/195	`19(85th)
265	Will Cuylle	NYR	LW	18	6-3/205	`20(60th)
266	Evan Vierling	NYR	C	18	6-0/165	`20(127th)
267	Emil Heineman	Fla	LW	19	6-0/180	`20(43rd)
268	Zayde Wisdom	Phi	RW	18	5-10/195	`20(94th)
269	Hunter Jones	Min	G	20	6-4/195	`19(59th)
270	Ty Tullio	Edm	RW	18	5-10/165	`20(126th)
271	Jordan Spence	LA	D	19	5-10/165	`19(95th)
272	Dmitri Zavgorodny	Cgy	LW	20	5-9/175	`18(198th)
273	Alex Beaucage	Col	RW	19	6-1/195	`19(78th)
274	Matiss Kivlenieks	CBJ	G	24	6-2/190	FA(5/17)
275	Artyom Zub	Ott	D	25	6-2/200	FA(5/20)
276	Urho Vaakanainen	Bos	D	22	6-0/185	`17(18th)
277	Dmitri Samorukov	Edm	D	21	6-2/180	`17(84th)
278	Michal Teply	Chi	LW	19	6-3/185	`19(105th)
279	Colby Ambrosio	Col	C	18	5-8/170	`20(118th)
280	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	20	6-7/195	`19(37th)
281	Jeremy Lauzon	Bos	D	23	6-3/205	`15(52nd)
282	Dennis Gilbert	Col	D	24	6-2/200	T(Chi-10/20)
283	Trent Frederic	Bos	C	22	6-4/215	`16(29th)
284	Lucas Carlsson	Chi	D	23	6-0/190	`16(110th)
285	Zack Macewen	Van	RW	24	6-3/205	FA(3/17)
286	Brandon Hagel	Chi	LW	22	6-1/175	FA(10/18)
287	Vasily Ponomarev	Car	C	18	5-10/180	`20(53rd)
288	Jakub Zboril	Bos	D	23	6-1/200	`15(13th)
289	Garrett Pilon	Wsh	RW	22	5-11/190	`16(87th)
290	Jeremy Bracco	Car	RW	23	5-9/180	FA(10/20)
291	Dylan Sikura	VGK	RW	25	6-0/170	T(Chi-9/20)
292	Kyle Capobianco	Ari	D	23	6-1/180	`15(63rd)
293	Sami Niku	Wpg	D	24	6-0/175	`15(198th)
294	John Farinacci	Ari	C	19	5-11/185	`19(76th)
295	Jackson Lacombe	Ana	D	19	6-1/170	`19(39th)
296	David Cotton	Car	LW	23	6-3/205	`15(169th)
297	Erik Portillo	Buf	G	20	6-6/210	`19(67th)
298	Jacob Truscott	Van	D	18	6-1/170	`20(144th)
299	Mikhail Berdin	Wpg	G	22	6-2/165	`16(157th)
300	Cam Hillis	Mtl	C	20	5-10/170	`18(66th)

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Dallas Stars Top 20 Prospects

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 21:52:59 +0000

McKeen's Top 20 Dallas Stars prospects for the 2020-21 season. You can read an organizational assessment prior to the draft in Ryan Wagman's article found here. Following the draft we provided a review on each teams performance based on our rankings found here.

Thomas Harley, D (18^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

A smooth, but explosive skater, Harley has such a large impact on the offensive side of things because of how he dictates the pace of play exiting the offensive zone. An aggressive puck mover, he looks to lead the rush or jump up into the play. With his size and reach, he can be difficult to separate from the puck as he cuts through the neutral zone and this makes him an elite level facilitator. Last season, he gained confidence in his shot and in his ability to use his mobility to create lanes and make better, more calculated decisions at the blueline. Improving his shot accuracy is necessary as too often his point shots are high and wide. Defensively, Harley became more aggressive in using his size down low, especially when trying to separate players from the puck along the wall, although he needs to continue increasing his intensity level. Overall, he became a much more consistent defensive player, improving his gap control and decision making in his own end, trusting his mobility. He is far from a shutdown defender, but he has progressed. He is still on track to be a top four defenseman at the NHL level. – BO

Jake Oettinger, G (26^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 2)

At just 21 years of age, Oettinger received the lion’s share of starts with AHL Texas after three seasons of NCAA play at Boston University. With a muscular 6-5” frame, he is a menacing behemoth of a netminder before even taking into account his skill and athleticism. His lateral movement and save selection, particularly with his glove, are superb, and he holds rebounds that other goalies can’t shut down themselves. He tracks pucks well through traffic and, while his footwork is a little flawed, he has improved in getting to the right spots in the crease to see shots with his chest and pads first. Mature and composed, he plays deep in the crease and relies more on his size and smarts than pure, reactionary reflexes. With both Ben Bishop and, more recently, Anton Khudobin, signed through the 2022-23 season, Oettinger will likely get another full season (or two) of starts with Texas before forcing the NHL club’s hand into finding room for him at the top level. - TD

Ty Dellandrea, C (13^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 3)

As an offensive player, Dellandrea looked much more confident and stronger with the puck on his stick last season, allowing him to dictate play from the middle and prolong possession in the offensive end. While his creativity and overall puck skill may not have progressed to the level that you might expect from a lottery selection, he remains a high-end offensive option because of his vision, hockey sense, and tenacity. An aggressive player, he excels playing through traffic, rather than avoiding it, and he does the majority of his damage near the crease and in the middle, where you have to excel to play in the NHL. Dellandrea is also a strong two-way presence and faceoff man. He can be counted on to excel in any situation and can play any role asked of him. For this reason, it would not be shocking to see him make Dallas next season, skipping the AHL entirely. He could play as a middle six center and kill penalties at a high level. His high-end potential remains to be seen. He could end up as either a second- or third-line center and eventually should be a member of Dallas’ leadership group. – BO

Mavrik Bourque, C (30^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

On the right day, Bourque looks like a future first line center who is transformative in the offensive zone. Once his team gains the offensive zone, he takes over. The puck is glued to his stick and he finds ways to create room for himself with great body control and edge work. He is a natural power play driver, finding options from the half wall and the far side of the faceoff dot creating scoring chances. More of a playmaker than a scorer, Bourque has a pretty lethal shot as well. He can beat goalies with his wrist shot or his slapper and he can elevate the puck from in tight. He gets pucks under control and into shooting position very quickly, or he can slow the game down as needed. A gritty player, he will take a hit to complete a play despite his small stature. So even if he isn’t scoring, he can contribute. On balance, he will present his team with a nice blend of a high skill, high compete game, bringing a consistency of effort pretty much every game. Bourque can succeed even when playing without high end linemates and can make those around him better. – RW

Jason Robertson, LW (39^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 4)

Posting numbers good for fifth in points and third in goals among AHL rookies last season, Robertson paced the struggling Texas Stars in scoring and was a dangerous option on a shift-to-shift basis. While he will never be the fastest or most agile skater, he possesses silky hands, deft one-on-one moves, and outstanding puck-protection skills. His upper-body strength, especially at his age, is incredible; he is near impossible to push off the puck and can run the cycle or brush up against the boards like a seasoned pro. Without the puck, he likes to play along the perimeter looking for open spaces to receive passes. His shot is quick and heavy, and worthy of being a triggerman on a future NHL power play unit. His skating, however, is a genuine and large concern; his feet are slow, and he shows very little spark in his acceleration. The Stars are a team desperate for help on offense, and Robertson is the team’s most dynamic scoring prospect, as well as the most ready for the NHL. - TD

Riley Damiani, C (137^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 5)

Damiani is at his best when he keeps his feet moving in the offensive end and is tenacious in his pursuit of the puck. He has a high level of skill when in possession and can create in traffic by making defenders miss. His shot is good, but he is better classified primarily as a playmaker. He is also a competent two-way forward who works hard on the backcheck and can be an effective penalty killer. One aspect of Damiani’s game that needed to improve last season was his skating ability, in particular his first few steps, given his lack of size. While he looked more explosive, this will need continued improvement at the professional level. Additionally, he was not as consistent of a pest this past year and needs to be aggressive and fearless at all times like he had been over the past two seasons. Damiani projects as a quality third line forward at the NHL level, with the likelihood that he shifts to the wing. His skill set as a tenacious playmaker works best when he can control the half wall and work at retrievals. Additionally, he may be better in defensive situations as a winger. – BO

Antonio Stranges, LW (82^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Stranges’ potential to become an elite offensive player is still alluring to some, allowing the Stars to overlook his spotty record of OHL production to draft him in the third round. His hands are elite. He has the ability to make multiple defenders miss when playing through traffic. Additionally, his skating style, while unique (he utilizes the 10-to-2 technique), generates a ton of power and makes him difficult to contain once he gains a step on the opposition. While his shot is an area of concern, his finishing ability in tight is not. He is particularly strong on his backhand, a lost art in today’s game. Nonetheless, his game has many warts. Turnovers are a major issue currently as he attempts to go through defenses at poor times, exhibiting a lack of vision and anticipation. This got him stapled to the bench at various times last season. His play away from the puck also leaves a lot to be desired, making him fairly one dimensional. The potential is still sky high for Stranges, but he needs to play with more consistent responsibility. – BO

Dawson Barteaux, D (168^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Barteaux plays a simple but solid defensive game. His game revolves around his feet as he is a very smooth skater with excellent four-direction ability. His recovery speed and gap control are both very good and form the basis of his overall solid defensive game. Offensively he has some skills but as more of a puck mover than as a play maker. When he reads and makes the safe play, he is highly effective, but when he tries to be more dynamic offensively, he tends to get himself into trouble. He is an effective shooter and likes to wind up and crack one but needs to pick his spots a better. Barteaux is at his most effective generating zone exits and using his pace into the neutral zone. While his skating is smooth, he isn’t really an end to end puck rusher as he doesn’t make decisions quick enough offensively to be constantly dangerous. Physically he can hold his own although he does need to get stronger to manage his own zone at the pro level. – VG

Evgeni Oksentyuk, RW/LW (162^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

The diminutive Belarussian forward was one of the more intriguing second year eligible players available at this year’s draft after a very strong first season in North America with Flint. He may be small at 5-8”, but he is quick, and he plays a fearless game. This really helped his adjustment to the OHL where he led the upstart Firebirds in scoring. Oksentyuk is a wizard with the puck, consistently making defenders miss as he pushes the pace and attacks the middle of the ice. Equal parts playmaker and goal scorer, he possesses a very well-rounded offensive game. It is a matter of whether scouts see his offensive ability translating to the NHL level as he unlikely to be a bottom six player. Having returned to Belarus to play out the pandemic, the early reports are disappointing, as Oksentyuk has been playing in a depth role, but we still expect his combination of agility and dazzling puck skills to help him force his way up the roster in time. – BO

Daniel Ljungman, C (154^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Ljungman’s draft season got off to a great start at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where his four goals helped Sweden capture the bronze. The rest of his season was indifferent as consistency issues prevented him from being a high impact player at other tournaments and in the SuperElit league (23 points, only 21st among U18 players). He possesses a high skill level as well as a very well-developed ability to read the game, giving him a higher ceiling than his point totals suggest. He has a plus shot and release and operates best as a shot first center who can create through traffic with his quick hands. His skating will need to be upgraded if he wishes to become a true impact offensive player, especially on North American ice where he would have less room to operate. In the meantime, it seems that Ljungman is already taken steps forward, as 17 points in his first 12 games back in the junior level to start this season helped him force his way to the SHL. – BO

Adam Mascherin, LW (100^th overall, 2018 [Originally: 38^th overall, 2016 [Florida]. Previous ranking: 7)

Taken as a re-draft in the fourth round of the 2018 draft, after previously being selected by Florida in 2016’s second round, Mascherin brought one of the best shots in junior hockey to the Dallas organization. Unfortunately, his 2019-20 season gave him little opportunity to display that shot - and his evolving offensive creativity - as injuries and inconsistency plagued his sophomore pro campaign. It took him 17 games to score his first goal of the season, and only three more followed in 13 other games before a shoulder injury shut him down for the remainder of the season. When he is healthy, he is a shooter’s shooter, capable of ripping wristers with speed and accuracy from the blueline in on any goaltender. While shooting is his most valuable attribute, he has quick hands and a knack for drawing space to himself before feeding an open linemate. He is not the quickest skater but has the body strength necessary of a 5-10” forward who can’t make up for it with length. Still only 22, he will need more AHL time to fully hash out a clear future role on a big-league team, but the potential is there. - TD

Joel Kiviranta, LW/RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed May 31, 2019. Previous ranking: 8)

An intelligent winger with a competitive mindset, Kiviranta bleeds versatility. Capable of playing, and excelling, in many roles, the Finn has become a steal for an aging Stars organization needing youth and speed at the big-league level. Signed as a 23-year-old undrafted free agent, after three consecutive seasons with double-digit goals in the Swedish Liiga, Kiviranta initially had trouble adjusting to the North American game and looked a step behind. As the season progressed with AHL Texas, the 5-10” forward dazzled with creativity on offense as a top-line winger and a reliable presence on the penalty kill. His skating improved and his understanding of the game looked as refined as a ten-year North American pro as the season hit its mid-point, and he posted 12 points in 14 games during one stretch. He is a terrific defender and played heavy PK minutes in the AHL during his rookie year. He is expected to be deployed similarly with Dallas in the near future as an energy-line speedster with the versatility of someone who can play spot top-six minutes, a-la soon-to-be UFA Mattias Janmark, as soon as next season. - TD

Nicholas Porco, LW (142^nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

It certainly was a disappointing third OHL season for Porco, who saw his goal production drop from 20 in his draft year, to only nine this past season. He fell down the depth chart in Saginaw and was subsequently dealt to Barrie, and as part of a young rebuilding team, he struggled to be a consistent contributor. Porco’s strength remains his skating ability. He is an absolutely electric skater who possesses elite level explosiveness. This allows him to be extremely visible in transition. When he does not have the puck on his stick however, he has a tendency to disappear. He needs to find a way to be a more consistent player away from the puck and be someone who can use his speed to create and fill open lanes through the middle. Next season, Porco will be playing for an NHL contract. He certainly has the potential to have a big year in Barrie, where they will be counting on him to be a top six forward. Anything less than a 30 goal, point per game year should be labeled a disappointment. – BO

Joel L’Esperance, C/RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Jul. 1, 2018. Previous ranking: 10)

Signed as a free agent out of Michigan Tech, L’Esperance joined the Dallas organization before the Texas Stars’ run to the Calder Cup Finals in 2018. He has since pushed out seasons of 30 and 25 goals (before the cancellation, he was well on his way to 30 again) and was an AHL All-Star in both of his full pro seasons. As a two-way, right-shooting centerman with size and a goal-scoring touch, he would probably be playing NHL hockey on a team with less center depth than the Stars. He is a high energy centerman who plays a game that fits someone smaller than his 6-2”, 215lb self, shooting at high volumes and playing a heavy forechecking style. He has solid technical skating skill for a relatively large forward in spite of top speed that lags. He has a splendid wrist shot and his hockey IQ has carried over nicely from his four-year run in the college ranks. Nearing his 25th birthday, L’Esperance’s game is as well-rounded as it is going to get and he will need to impress the Stars brass one way or another soon, though it is possible he sticks with another organization eventually. - TD

Oskar Back, C/RW (75^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 11)

A big center with good skating and two-way play. Back’s hands and puck skills are good, but not better than average. He is more of a bottom six talent than anything else. He plays a strong 200ft game with a team-first mentality. He can be used in all situations. He moved up to the SHL last season but did not take a big step forward as a player. He was still more of a role player at the WJC for Sweden. I would like to see him play with more poise and competitiveness and use his size and skating to be more of a force. His puck skills do not stand out and I can’t see him becoming a productive player at a high level if he does not compete harder to create and produce for his team. If not, there is not much upside in his game rather than being a reliable bottom six center. He will play next season in the SHL again. - JH

Rhett Gardner, C/LW (116^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 12)

Gardner was perhaps the most overlooked player in this system coming into last season, but the North Dakota alum made his mark on the organization in his first full pro season. When the injury bug hit the Dallas Stars in the early going of the 2019-20 season, it was Gardner’s smarts and versatility that made him a useful recall throughout an eight-game NHL trial run. A tenacious, heavy defensive center with long reach and the speed to pressure opposing defensemen on the forecheck, Gardner rarely makes mistakes and is easy for coaches to trust in all situations. He shines on the penalty kill, where his active stick and constantly moving feet at the top or center of the zone keeps the puck on the outside. Strong on faceoffs and down low in the offensive zone, Gardner can be a facilitator of sorts, but is better suited to play a shutdown depth role. - TD

Fredrik Karlstrom, C (90^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 13)

The 22-year-old center/winger had his best SHL season so far. He did that on a team that struggled partially thanks to a high shooting percentage. He finished the season on a strong note putting up at least one point in nine of his last 12 games. He saw more ice-time at the end as well. Over half of his production came in the last 12 contests of the 52-game season. Karlstrom has good size and good skating abilities. His puck skills are fine but not more than average. His all-around game is good as well. If he can keep up how he finished the season and be a more productive player more consistently, then maybe he has middle six forward potential. He does not play with a physical edge to his game though so he will really need to find offensive effectiveness to become that player. Next season, he will be loaned back to SHL for another season. - JH

Jerad Rosburg, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 9, 2020. Previous ranking: 14)

Son of long-time NFL coach Jerry Rosburg, Jerad Rosburg has a bit of the football player in his work on the ice. For starters, he has great size and plays with a very physical mentality. He uses his big frame to force opponents away from danger areas in his own zone and is known to make a few big hits. His defensive game, both in terms of physically stopping opponents as well as outthinking them, are the main keys of his game. The Maryland native is also willing to push the pace offensively, although he is unlikely to succeed in that approach as a pro. His hands are quick enough to provide some offensive utility, but Rosburg’s surest path to the NHL is as a blue-collar, hard-working part of a bottom pairing, with some penalty killing options thrown in for good measure. He might not need more than a single year in the AHL before he is ready to acclimate to the NHL. - RW

Jacob Peterson, C (132^nd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 15)

A smart two-way center/winger with good speed. Peterson competes well and makes players around him better. He does not have any standout puck skills but uses his speed and competitiveness to create. He plays a smart game way from the puck and is a reliable bottom six player, with a strong forechecking element to his game. He is an efficient forechecker who relies on his smarts rather than aggression to be effective. His offensive hockey sense is not particularly high though, so long-term Peterson should be thought of as bottom six two-way forward. He produced well enough in his first SHL season in a smaller role, playing 10-11 minutes per game. Next season he is shifting from Frolunda to Farjestad and will hopefully get a bigger role. – JH

Nicholas Caamano, RW (146^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: UR)

The third player on this list with a background including the Flint Firebirds, Caamano has the least upside of anyone in this top 20, yet a floor high enough to have spent some time suiting up for the Stars in their recent run to the Stanley Cup Finals. Consider him as you might consider Kiviranta and L’Esperance, but Caamano is the third wheel in that group as he lacks Kiviranta’s skating ability, and L’Esperance’s physical tools. Caamano at least showed last season that he could be a moderate offensive contributor at the AHL level, while proving that his hands can work quickly, even if his feet are heavy. He can play a responsible game, handling defensive zone shifts as well as holding his own on the penalty kill. Barring a significant improvement in his skating, Caamano is who he is, usable depth who, in the right circumstances, can lock down a fourth line NHL role. - RW

MCKEENS 2020 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT – TOP 250 PROSPECTS

McKeens Hockey; Article by Ryan Wagman — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 11:50:55 +0000

I write these words less than 24 hours after the Dallas Stars took game one of the Stanley Cup Finals against the heavily favored Tampa Bay Lightning. Unlike most seasons wherein the end of the Stanley Cup marks the beginning of off-season player movement, this year teams have taken an early start to the transactional Ferris wheel as many expect the upcoming offseason (from the awarding of the Cup, through to the draft in the first week of October to the start of the 2020-21 season perhaps as soon as early December, pending COVID trends in North America) to be especially turbulent.

We have seen a few trades of NHL pieces, one deal which impacted this guidebook, as Toronto sent Kasperi Kapanen to Pittsburgh and Swedish winger Filip Hallander was among those coming back to Toronto. Hallander was our selection for the second-best prospect in the Penguins system and now holds that title for the Maple Leafs. That trade knocked the Penguins down a few slots on our organizational rankings and allowed Toronto to go the other way accordingly.

Of course, with the draft roughly 17 days away, and with it a complete re-shuffling of the organizational rankings, this is just a snapshot in time of how every team’s system shakes up. We will re-run this list, incorporating the drafted players, in our pre-season fantasy guide, where we will expand the lists up to 20.

What you are about to dive into is a comprehensive list of all prospect eligible players on all 31 teams. To hold prospect eligibility, a player needs to 25 or younger, as of September 15, 2020. All skaters need to have played less than 60 career games, with no more than 35 of those games coming in a single season (or 25 for this past shortened season). For goalies, the age criteria remain the same, but the games played benchmark drops to 30 career games and 20 in a given season (or 15 last year). Any cutoff that does not hew exactly to the Calder Trophy award criteria is, by nature, arbitrary, but we aim to be inclusive for all players who have not yet cemented NHL jobs and/or have not had a prolonged chance to prove himself capable – or incapable.

We rank 15 per team, as depth is as important as the high end. Our goal is to identify players who could – if they have an advocate for them within the team’s braintrust – play a role in the NHL. These players were identified through our thorough vetting of each prospect across the globe, assigning scores, or grades, to five areas for skaters (skating, shot, puck skills, smarts, physicality) and six for netminders (athleticism/speed/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, positioning/technique, rebound control, and puck handling). Depending on the position, the grades are run through an algorithm to come up with an overall future projection (OFP).

The OFP, if the scout is being honest, measures the future role we anticipate the prospect being able to hold. A 50 score is the lower threshold to be a regular 4^th line forward, or bottom pairing defender. Grades over 56 are potential top line/pairing skaters. The grades in between, obviously project to the middle of the lineup.

As we are reminded every year, development is not linear. Some players take unexpected sudden leaps forward (see Marino, John), and others stagnate (see Ho-Sang, Josh), and many do exactly what we expect of them when they are given the chance. As much as I trust the analysts in our team, I can also tell you that this exercise is always humbling. There will be at least one player who we rate highly who bombs. There will be at least one player who did not feature on his team’s top 15 who becomes an NHL regular next year. We accept those errors in judgment and promise you, our faithful subscriber, that we will learn from them and refine our work for next year, as we learn just as NHL teams learn.

Until then, please enjoy this snapshot view of the future of the beautiful, frozen game. Putting this together has provided at least some sense of normalcy during this crazy summer.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired
Ana	1	Trevor Zegras	C	19	6-0/170	Boston University (HE)	`19(9th)
Min	2	Kirill Kaprizov	LW	23	5-10/200	CSKA (KHL)	`15(135th)
Col	3	Bowen Byram	D	19	6-0/195	Vancouver (WHL)	`19(4th)
Buf	4	Dylan Cozens	C	19	6-3/185	Lethbridge (WHL)	`19(7th)
Fla	5	Spencer Knight	G	19	6-3/195	Boston College (HE)	`19(13th)
VGK	6	Peyton Krebs	C	19	5-11/180	Winnipeg (WHL)	`19(17th)
Ari	7	Victor Soderstrom	D	19	5-11/180	Brynas (Swe)	`19(11th)
Mtl	8	Cole Caufield	RW	19	5-7/165	Wisconsin (B1G)	`19(15th)
Van	9	Vasili Podkolzin	RW	19	6-1/190	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	`19(10th)
Edm	10	Philip Broberg	D	19	6-3/200	Skelleftea AIK (Swe)	`19(8th)
Tor	11	Nick Robertson	LW	19	5-9/160	Peterborough (OHL)	`19(53rd)
Col	12	Alex Newhook	C	19	5-10/195	Boston College (HE)	`19(16th)
Det	13	Moritz Seider	D	19	6-3/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`19(6th)
Fla	14	Grigori Denisenko	LW	20	5-11/185	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	`18(15th)
Min	15	Matthew Boldy	LW	19	6-1/190	Boston College (HE)	`19(12th)
NJ	16	Ty Smith	D	20	5-10/180	Spokane (WHL)	`18(17th)
LA	17	Alex Turcotte	C	19	5-11/185	Wisconsin (B1G)	`19(5th)
Nsh	18	Philip Tomasino	C	19	5-11/180	Nia-Osh (OHL)	`19(24th)
Pit	19	Samuel Poulin	LW	19	6-1/205	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	`19(21st)
Wsh	20	Connor McMichael	C	19	5-11/175	London (OHL)	`19(25th)
LA	21	Gabriel Vilardi	RW	21	6-3/200	Ontario (AHL)	`17(11th)
NYR	22	Igor Shesterkin	G	24	6-1/190	Hartford (AHL)	`14(118th)
Dal	23	Thomas Harley	D	19	6-3/190	Mississauga (OHL)	`19(18th)
Ari	24	Barrett Hayton	C	20	6-1/190	Arizona (NHL)	`18(5th)
NYR	25	Nils Lundkvist	D	20	5-11/180	Lulea (Swe)	`18(28th)
LA	26	Arthur Kaliyev	RW	19	6-2/190	Hamilton (OHL)	`19(33rd)
Cgy	27	Juuso Valimaki	D	21	6-2/205	DNP - Injured	`17(16th)
Det	28	Jared McIsaac	D	20	6-1/195	Hal-Mon (QMJHL)	`18(36th)
NYR	29	Vitali Kravtsov	RW	20	6-3/185	Hartford (AHL)	`18(9th)
Edm	30	Evan Bouchard	D	20	6-2/195	Bakersfield (AHL)	`18(10th)
NYR	31	K'Andre Miller	D	20	6-3/205	Wisconsin (B1G)	`18(22nd)
Edm	32	Raphael Lavoie	RW	19	6-4/195	Hal-Chi (QMJHL)	`19(38th)
NYI	33	Ilya Sorokin	G	25	6-2/180	CSKA (KHL)	`14(78th)
Det	34	Albert Johansson	D	19	5-11/165	Farjestads (Swe)	`19(60th)
Ari	35	Matias Maccelli	LW	19	5-11/170	Ilves Tampere (Fin)	`19(98th)
Van	36	Nils Hoglander	RW	19	5-9/185	Rogle (Swe)	`19(40th)
Ari	37	Jan Jenik	RW	20	6-1/180	Hamilton (OHL)	`18(65th)
Phi	38	Cam York	D	19	5-11/175	Michigan (B1G)	`19(14th)
Phi	39	Morgan Frost	C	21	5-11/180	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	`17(27th)
Ana	40	Lukas Dostal	G	20	6-1/170	Ilves Tampere (Fin)	`18(85th)
LA	41	Tobias Bjornfot	D	19	6-0/200	Ontario (AHL)	`19(22nd)
SJ	42	Ryan Merkley	D	20	5-11/170	London (OHL)	`18(21st)
NYI	43	Kieffer Bellows	LW	22	6-0/200	Bridgeport (AHL)	`16(19th)
NYI	44	Oliver Wahlstrom	RW	20	6-1/205	Bridgeport (AHL)	`18(11th)
LA	45	Rasmus Kupari	C	20	6-1/185	Ontario (AHL)	`18(20th)
CBJ	46	Liam Foudy	C	20	6-0/175	London (OHL)	`18(18th)
LA	47	Tyler Madden	C	20	5-10/155	Northeastern (HE)	T(Van-2/20)
Mtl	48	Alexander Romanov	D	20	5-11/185	CSKA (KHL)	`18(38th)
NYI	49	Bode Wilde	D	20	6-2/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	`18(41st)
Ott	50	Jacob Bernard-Docker	D	20	6-0/180	North Dakota (NCHC)	`18(26th)
Cgy	51	Jakob Pelletier	LW	19	5-9/165	Moncton (QMJHL)	`19(26th)
LA	52	Akil Thomas	C	20	5-11/170	Nia-Pbo (OHL)	`18(51st)
Wpg	53	Dylan Samberg	D	21	6-3/190	Minn-Duluth (NCHC)	`17(43rd)
Chi	54	Ian Mitchell	D	21	5-11/175	Denver (NCHC)	`17(57th)
Ott	55	Josh Norris	C	21	6-1/195	Belleville (AHL)	T(SJ-9/18)
NYR	56	Matthew Robertson	D	19	6-3/200	Edmonton (WHL)	`19(49th)
VGK	57	Pavel Dorofeyev	LW	19	6-1/170	Magnitogorsk (KHL)	`19(79th)
Dal	58	Jake Oettinger	G	21	6-4/210	Texas (AHL)	`17(26th)
Ott	59	Drake Batherson	RW	22	6-1/190	Belleville (AHL)	`17(121st)
LA	60	Samuel Fagemo	RW	20	6-0/195	Frolunda (Swe)	`19(50th)
Col	61	Justus Annunen	G	20	6-4/215	Karpat Oulu (Fin)	`18(64th)
Bos	62	John Beecher	C	19	6-3/210	Michigan (B1G)	`19(30th)
Phi	63	Egor Zamula	D	20	6-4/175	Calgary (WHL)	FA(9/18)
NYR	64	Zac Jones	D	19	5-10/175	Massachusetts (HE)	`19(68th)
CBJ	65	Kirill Marchenko	LW	20	6-3/190	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	`18(49th)
VGK	66	Jack Dugan	RW	22	6-2/185	Providence (HE)	`17(142nd)
StL	67	Scott Perunovich	D	22	5-10/175	Minn-Duluth (NCHC)	`18(45th)
Bos	68	Jack Studnicka	C	21	6-1/170	Providence (AHL)	`17(53rd)
Dal	69	Ty Dellandrea	C	20	6-0/185	Flint (OHL)	`18(13th)
Min	70	Calen Addison	D	20	5-10/180	Lethbridge (WHL)	T(Pit-2/20)
NYR	71	Julien Gauthier	RW	22	6-4/225	Charlotte (AHL)	T(Car-2/20)
Van	72	Olli Juolevi	D	22	6-3/200	Utica (AHL)	`16(5th)
NJ	73	Nolan Foote	LW	19	6-3/190	Kelowna (WHL)	T(TB-2/20)
NJ	74	Janne Kuokkanen	LW	22	6-1/190	Cha-Bng (AHL)	T(Car-2/20)
Ott	75	Alex Formenton	LW	21	6-2/165	Belleville (AHL)	`17(47th)
Det	76	Robert Mastrosimone	LW	19	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	`19(54th)
NYR	77	Morgan Barron	C	21	6-2/200	Cornell (ECAC)	`17(174th)
Mtl	78	Jesse Ylonen	RW	20	6-1/185	Pelicans (Fin)	`18(35th)
Car	79	Dominik Bokk	RW	20	6-1/180	Rogle (Swe)	T(StL-9/19)
Nsh	80	Egor Afanasyev	RW	19	6-3/205	Windsor (OHL)	`19(45th)
Ana	81	Benoit-Olivier Groulx	C	20	6-1/195	Hal-Mon (QMJHL)	`18(54th)
Min	82	Alexander Khovanov	C	20	5-11/195	Moncton (QMJHL)	`18(86th)
Det	83	Joe Veleno	C	20	6-1/195	Grand Rapids (AHL)	`18(30th)
NJ	84	Kevin Bahl	D	20	6-6/230	Ottawa (OHL)	T(Ari-12/19)
Car	85	Ryan Suzuki	C	19	6-0/180	Bar-Sag (OHL)	`19(28th)
Van	86	Jett Woo	D	20	6-0/205	Calgary (WHL)	`18(37th)
Mtl	87	Mattias Norlinder	D	20	5-11/180	MODO (Swe 2)	`19(64th)
Min	88	Adam Beckman	LW	19	6-1/170	Spokane (WHL)	`19(75th)
Bos	89	Jeremy Swayman	G	21	6-1/190	Maine (HE)	`17(111th)
Wpg	90	Kristian Vesalainen	LW	21	6-3/205	Manitoba (AHL)	`17(24th)
Tor	91	Filip Hallander	LW	20	6-1/185	Lulea (Swe)	T(Pit-8/20)
Fla	92	Owen Tippett	RW	21	6-1/200	Springfield (AHL)	`17(10th)
Car	93	Jake Bean	D	22	6-1/175	Charlotte (AHL)	`16(13th)
Ott	94	Shane Pinto	C	19	6-2/190	North Dakota (NCHC)	`19(32nd)
Col	95	Martin Kaut	RW	20	6-1/175	Colorado (AHL)	`18(16th)
Van	96	Jack Rathbone	D	21	5-10/175	Harvard (ECAC)	`17(95th)
Tor	97	Nick Abruzzese	C	21	5-9/160	Harvard (ECAC)	`19(124th)
Bos	98	Urho Vaakanainen	D	21	6-0/185	Providence (AHL)	`17(18th)
Wsh	99	Alexander Alexeyev	D	20	6-3/200	Hershey (AHL)	`18(31st)
NYI	100	Simon Holmstrom	RW	19	6-1/185	Bridgeport (AHL)	`19(23rd)
LA	101	Jaret Anderson-Dolan	C	21	5-11/190	Ontario (AHL)	`17(41st)
Car	102	Joey Keane	D	21	6-0/185	Hfd-Cha (AHL)	T(NYR-2/20)
Wsh	103	Martin Fehervary	D	20	6-1/190	Hershey (AHL)	`18(46th)
StL	104	Tyler Tucker	D	20	6-1/205	Bar-Fnt (OHL)	`18(200th)
SJ	105	Yegor Spiridonov	C	19	6-2/195	Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL)	`19(108th)
NJ	106	Joey Anderson	RW	22	6-0/195	Binghamton (AHL)	`16(73rd)
Col	107	Conor Timmins	D	21	6-1/185	Colorado (AHL)	`17(32nd)
StL	108	Klim Kostin	C	21	6-3/195	San Antonio (AHL)	`17(31st)
Mtl	109	Cayden Primeau	G	21	6-3/180	Laval (AHL)	`17(199th)
SJ	110	Jonathan Dahlen	LW	22	5-11/185	Timra IK (Swe 2)	T(Van-2/19)
NJ	111	Reilly Walsh	D	21	5-11/180	Harvard (ECAC)	`17(81st)
Buf	112	Oskari Laaksonen	D	21	6-2/165	Ilves Tampere (Fin)	`17(89th)
NJ	113	Arseni Gritsyuk	RW	19	5-10/170	Omskie Yastreby (MHL)	`19(129th)
Wsh	114	Aliaksei Protas	C	19	6-5/205	Prince Albert (WHL)	`19(91st)
Cgy	115	Dustin Wolf	G	19	6-0/165	Everett (WHL)	`19(214th)
StL	116	Joel Hofer	G	20	6-3/160	Portland (WHL)	`18(107th)
VGK	117	Ivan Morozov	C	20	6-1/180	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	`18(61st)
Mtl	118	Jake Evans	C	24	6-0/185	Laval (AHL)	`14(207th)
Nsh	119	Eeli Tolvanen	RW	21	5-10/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	`17(30th)
Wpg	120	Ville Heinola	D	19	5-11/180	Lukko Rauma (Fin)	`19(20th)
VGK	121	Lucas Elvenes	RW	21	6-0/175	Chicago (AHL)	`17(127th)
TB	122	Cole Koepke	LW	22	6-1/195	Minn-Duluth (NCHC)	`18(183rd)
Ana	123	Isac Lundestrom	C	20	6-0/185	San Diego (AHL)	`18(23rd)
NYR	124	Tarmo Reunanen	D	22	6-0/180	Lukko Rauma (Fin)	`16(98th)
Mtl	125	Jordan Harris	D	20	5-11/180	Northeastern (HE)	`18(71st)
Ana	126	Brayden Tracey	LW	19	6-0/175	MJ-Vic (WHL)	`19(29th)
Phi	127	Tanner Laczynski	C	23	6-1/200	Ohio State (B1G)	`16(169th)
Chi	128	Alec Regula	D	20	6-3/200	London (OHL)	T(Det-10/19)
Buf	129	Mattias Samuelsson	D	20	6-3/215	Western Michigan (NCHC)	`18(32nd)
Car	130	Jamieson Rees	C	19	5-10/175	Sarnia (OHL)	`19(44th)
Edm	131	Olivier Rodrigue	G	20	6-1/165	Moncton (QMJHL)	`18(62nd)
Fla	132	Serron Noel	RW	20	6-5/205	Osh-Kit (OHL)	`18(34th)
Det	133	Antti Tuomisto	D	19	6-4/190	Assat Pori (Fin Jr)	`19(35th)
Dal	134	Jason Robertson	LW	21	6-2/195	Texas (AHL)	`17(39th)
Mtl	135	Joni Ikonen	C	21	5-10/170	DNP - Injured	`17(58th)
Nsh	136	Rem Pitlick	C	23	5-11/200	Milwaukee (AHL)	`16(76th)
Ott	137	Logan Brown	C	22	6-6/220	Belleville (AHL)	`16(11th)
TB	138	Samuel Walker	C	21	5-11/160	Minnesota (B1G)	`17(200th)
Phi	139	Wade Allison	RW	22	6-2/205	Western Michigan (NCHC)	`16(52nd)
Wpg	140	Declan Chisholm	D	20	6-1/190	Peterborough (OHL)	`18(150th)
NJ	141	Tyce Thompson	RW	21	6-1/180	Providence (HE)	`19(96th)
VGK	142	Connor Corcoran	D	20	6-1/185	Windsor (OHL)	`18(154th)
Ana	143	Jackson Lacombe	D	19	6-1/170	Minnesota (B1G)	`19(39th)
NYR	144	Lauri Pajuniemi	RW	21	6-0/185	TPS Turku (Fin)	`18(132nd)
Car	145	Tuukka Tieksola	RW	19	5-10/160	Karpat Oulu (Fin Jr)	`19(121st)
CBJ	146	Andrew Peeke	D	22	6-3/210	Cleveland (AHL)	`16(34th)
Ana	147	Axel Andersson	D	20	6-0/180	Moncton (QMJHL)	T(Bos-2/20)
Car	148	Patrik Puistola	LW	19	6-0/175	Tap-Juk-Koo (Fin)	`19(73rd)
NJ	149	Michael McLeod	C	22	6-2/195	Binghamton (AHL)	`16(12th)
Car	150	Pyotr Kochetkov	G	21	6-1/175	SKA-VIT (KHL)	`19(36th)
NJ	151	Michael Vukojevic	D	19	6-3/210	Kitchener (OHL)	`19(82nd)
NYI	152	Ruslan Iskhakov	C	20	5-8/155	UConn (HE)	`18(43rd)
Wpg	153	Sami Niku	D	23	6-0/175	Manitoba (AHL)	`15(198th)
TB	154	Hugo Alnefelt	G	19	6-3/195	HV 71 (Swe)	`19(71st)
NJ	155	Nikita Okhotyuk	D	19	6-1/195	Ottawa (OHL)	`19(61st)
NYR	156	Hunter Skinner	D	19	6-2/175	London (OHL)	`19(112th)
LA	157	Mikey Anderson	D	21	6-0/195	Ontario (AHL)	`17(103rd)
Col	158	Shane Bowers	C	21	6-2/190	Colorado (AHL)	T(Ott-11/17)
NYI	159	Joshua Ho-Sang	RW	24	6-0/175	Bri-SA (AHL)	`14(28th)
LA	160	Cal Petersen	G	25	6-3/190	Ontario (AHL)	FA(7/17)
Col	161	Sampo Ranta	LW	20	6-2/205	Minnesota (B1G)	`18(78th)
Wpg	162	Mikhail Berdin	G	22	6-2/165	Manitoba (AHL)	`16(157th)
Bos	163	Jeremy Lauzon	D	23	6-3/205	Providence (AHL)	`15(52nd)
Nsh	164	David Farrance	D	21	5-11/190	Boston University (HE)	`17(92nd)
Van	165	Will Lockwood	RW	22	5-11/175	Michigan (B1G)	`16(64th)
NYI	166	Sebastian Aho	D	24	5-10/175	Bridgeport (AHL)	`17(139th)
Wpg	167	Logan Stanley	D	22	6-7/225	Manitoba (AHL)	`16(18th)
Buf	168	Ryan Johnson	D	19	6-0/175	Minnesota (B1G)	`19(31st)
Van	169	Michael DiPietro	G	21	6-0/195	Utica (AHL)	`17(64th)
VGK	170	Kaedan Korczak	D	19	6-3/190	Kelowna (WHL)	`19(41st)
Car	171	Jack Drury	C	20	5-11/180	Harvard (ECAC)	`18(42nd)
StL	172	Nikita Alexandrov	C	19	6-0/180	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	`19(62nd)
Col	173	Nikolai Kovalenko	RW	20	5-10/175	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	`18(171st)
Nsh	174	Juuso Parssinen	C	19	6-2/205	TPS Turku (Fin)	`19(210th)
Chi	175	Pius Suter	C	24	5-11/170	ZSC Lions (NLA)	FA(7/20)
Fla	176	Aleksi Saarela	RW	23	5-11/200	Rfd-Spr (AHL)	T(Chi-10/19)
Bos	177	Trent Frederic	C	22	6-4/215	Providence (AHL)	`16(29th)
CBJ	178	Dmitri Voronkov	LW	20	6-4/190	Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)	`19(114th)
Ott	179	Lassi Thomson	D	19	6-0/190	Ilves Tampere (Fin)	`19(19th)
Car	180	Morgan Geekie	C	22	6-2/180	Charlotte (AHL)	`17(67th)
CBJ	181	Trey Fix-Wolansky	RW	21	5-8/185	Cleveland (AHL)	`18(204th)
Ott	182	Vitaly Abramov	RW	22	5-9/175	Belleville (AHL)	T(CBJ-2/19)
TB	183	Alexander Volkov	LW	23	6-1/190	Syracuse (AHL)	`17(48th)
Tor	184	Mikko Kokkonen	D	19	5-11/200	Jukurit (Fin)	`19(84th)
Ott	185	Kevin Mandolese	G	20	6-4/180	Cape Breton (QMJHL)	`18(157th)
CBJ	186	Daniil Tarasov	G	21	6-5/185	Assat Pori (Fin)	`17(86th)
LA	187	Carl Grundstrom	LW	22	6-0/195	Ontario (AHL)	T(Tor-1/19)
LA	188	Kale Clague	D	22	6-0/180	Ontario (AHL)	`16(51st)
Ott	189	Artyom Zub	D	24	6-2/200	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	FA(5/20)
Edm	190	Tyler Benson	LW	22	6-0/200	Bakersfield (AHL)	`16(32nd)
Det	191	Jonatan Berggren	RW	20	5-10/185	Skelleftea AIK (Swe)	`18(33rd)
Tor	192	Yegor Korshkov	RW	24	6-4/215	Toronto (AHL)	`16(31st)
Dal	193	Riley Damiani	C	20	5-9/165	Kitchener (OHL)	`18(137th)
VGK	194	Zach Whitecloud	D	23	6-2/210	Chicago (AHL)	FA(3/18)
Buf	195	Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen	G	21	6-4/195	Cincinnati (ECHL)	`17(54th)
Car	196	David Cotton	LW	23	6-3/205	Boston College (HE)	`15(169th)
Chi	197	Wyatt Kalynuk	D	23	6-1/180	Wisconsin (B1G)	FA(7/20)
Min	198	Hunter Jones	G	19	6-4/195	Peterborough (OHL)	`19(59th)
LA	199	Jordan Spence	D	19	5-10/165	Moncton (QMJHL)	`19(95th)
Cgy	200	Dmitri Zavgorodny	LW	20	5-9/175	Rimouski (QMJHL)	`18(198th)
Col	201	Alex Beaucage	RW	19	6-1/195	Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)	`19(78th)
TB	202	Dmitri Semykin	D	20	6-3/200	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	`18(90th)
CBJ	203	Matiss Kivlenieks	G	24	6-2/190	Cleveland (AHL)	FA(5/17)
StL	204	Ville Husso	G	25	6-3/205	San Antonio (AHL)	`14(94th)
Phi	205	Bobby Brink	RW	19	5-10/165	Denver (NCHC)	`19(34th)
NYI	206	Otto Koivula	C	22	6-4/220	Bridgeport (AHL)	`16(120th)
Car	207	Eetu Makiniemi	G	21	6-2/180	KOOVEE (Fin 2)	`17(104th)
NYI	208	Anatoli Golyshev	RW	25	5-8/180	Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg (KHL)	`16(95th)
Chi	209	Evan Barratt	C	21	6-0/190	Penn State (B1G)	`17(90th)
Buf	210	Erik Portillo	G	20	6-6/210	Dubuque (USHL)	`19(67th)
Fla	211	Cole Schwindt	RW	19	6-2/185	Mississauga (OHL)	`19(81st)
Chi	212	Michal Teply	LW	19	6-3/185	Winnipeg (WHL)	`19(105th)
Ott	213	Mads Sogaard	G	19	6-7/195	Medicine Hat (WHL)	`19(37th)
Buf	214	Jonas Johansson	G	24	6-4/205	Rochester (AHL)	`14(61st)
TB	215	Cal Foote	D	21	6-4/215	Syracuse (AHL)	`17(14th)
StL	216	Niko Mikkola	D	24	6-5/200	San Antonio (AHL)	`15(127th)
NYI	217	Robin Salo	D	21	6-1/190	SaiPa (Fin)	`17(46th)
Bos	218	Jakub Zboril	D	23	6-1/200	Providence (AHL)	`15(13th)
Buf	219	Will Borgen	D	23	6-2/200	Rochester (AHL)	`15(92nd)
Pit	220	Pierre-Olivier Joseph	D	21	6-2/170	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	`17(23rd)
SJ	221	Sasha Chmelevski	C	21	5-11/190	San Jose (AHL)	`17(185th)
Ari	222	Kyle Capobianco	D	23	6-1/180	Tucson (AHL)	`15(63rd)
Det	223	Keith Petruzzelli	G	21	6-5/180	Quinnipiac (ECAC)	`17(88th)
Wsh	224	Garrett Pilon	RW	22	5-11/190	Hershey (AHL)	`16(87th)
NJ	225	Nikola Pasic	RW	19	5-10/185	Karlskoga (Swe 2)	`19(189th)
TB	226	Alex Barre-Boulet	C	23	5-10/165	Syracuse (AHL)	FA(3/18)
Edm	227	Ryan McLeod	C	20	6-2/205	Bakersfield (AHL)	`18(40th)
NYI	228	Samuel Bolduc	D	19	6-3/210	BLB-She (QMJHL)	`19(57th)
Ott	229	Joey Daccord	G	24	6-2/195	Belleville (AHL)	`15(199th)
StL	230	Hugh McGing	C	22	5-9/180	Western Michigan (NCHC)	`18(138th)
Edm	231	Cooper Marody	C	23	6-0/180	Bakersfield (AHL)	T(Phi-3/18)
Tor	232	Jeremy Bracco	RW	23	5-9/180	Toronto (AHL)	`15(61st)
Phi	233	German Rubtsov	C	22	6-2/190	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	`16(22nd)
Wsh	234	Brian Pinho	C	25	6-1/195	Hershey (AHL)	`13(174th)
Col	235	Logan O'Connor	RW	24	6-0/170	Colorado (AHL)	FA(7/18)
Buf	236	Casey Fitzgerald	D	23	5-11/190	Rochester (AHL)	`16(86th)
NJ	237	Daniil Misyul	D	19	6-3/180	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	`19(70th)
Ari	238	John Farinacci	C	19	5-11/185	Harvard (ECAC)	`19(76th)
Edm	239	Aapeli Rasanen	C	22	6-0/195	Boston College (HE)	`16(153rd)
Pit	240	Anthony Angello	RW	24	6-5/205	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	`14(145th)
Mtl	241	Cam Hillis	C	20	5-10/170	Guelph (OHL)	`18(66th)
Cgy	242	Mathias Emilio Pettersen	RW	20	5-9/170	Denver (NCHC)	`18(167th)
SJ	243	Alexander True	C	23	6-5/205	San Jose (AHL)	FA(7/18)
NYI	244	Reece Newkirk	C	19	5-11/175	Portland (WHL)	`19(147th)
Dal	245	Dawson Barteaux	D	20	6-0/180	RD-Wpg (WHL)	`18(168th)
Bos	246	Jack Ahcan	D	23	5-8/185	St. Cloud State (NCHC)	FA(3/20)
Det	247	Seth Barton	D	21	6-2/175	Mass-Lowell (HE)	`18(81st)
Fla	248	Max Gildon	D	21	6-3/190	New Hampshire (HE)	`17(66th)
Ari	249	Aku Raty	RW	19	6-0/175	Karpat Oulu (Fin)	`19(151st)
Wpg	250	David Gustafsson	C	20	6-1/195	Winnipeg (NHL)	`18(60th)

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – DALLAS STARS – ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 29

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 19:29:01 +0000

Dallas Stars

If you look at the overall organizational rankings in this guide, you will see the Stars not too far from the bottom as third weakest system. Some teams near Dallas in the org rankings make intuitive sense. The last ranked St. Louis Blues traded some pieces for immediate NHL help and other prospects are already full-fledged NHL’ers. The Calgary Flames rarely have a full slate of picks and have made a few reaches over the years as well. The Sharks are in a similar boat to Calgary. Pittsburgh routinely moves their picks early.

Then we have Dallas, which doesn’t fit the stereotype for those other shallow systems. Prior to the 2019 draft, in which the Stars made only four selections, the organization had averaged a full seven picks per year over the previous five drafts. Those six draft classes include seven first round picks. Yet here we are. How do we explain this unfortunate sequence of events?

To Dallas’ credit, the past six drafts have produced three graduates, including two first rounders, in Miro Heiskanen, Denis Guryanov, and Roope Hintz. Further, the top of this system. Particularly the top three which is entirely made up of former first rounders, is quite strong. Unfortunately, the system thins out rapidly after the upper crust of Harley, Oettinger, and Dellandrea. In fact, after a second tier of three players, few of the remaining players on this list would feature at all on the top prospect lists of many other organizations.

Where did Dallas go wrong? There are two main culprits. First up, we have the entire 2014 draft class. Like 26 of the other 30 players selected in the first round in 2014, Dallas’ pick, Julius Honka, has exhausted his prospect eligibility, with 87 games played at the NHL level. Then again, if you follow the Stars, you are probably aware that the offensive blueliner has burned his bridges to the Lonestar State and possibly to the NHL as a whole, having returned last season to Finland, where he was overshadowed by his younger brother Anttoni, a Carolina prospect. Would you believe that Honka was, hands down, the best outcome Dallas had from that draft class. Not a single one of the other eight players they selected that June remain in the system, nor has a single one played a minute of NHL hockey.

The remainder of the answer to that question is tied up in a single player. That being 2016 first round pick Riley Tufte. Dallas’ 2016 draft class has already played a cumulative 20 NHL games, none of which were credited to Tufte. If Tufte continues his current trajectory, he will not reach the NHL, much less match the 20 games played by Rhett Gardner and Nicholas Caamano. Taken 25^th overall out of Blaine High School in Minnesota, the gargantuan Tufte dominated competition in high school (over three points per game) but struggled when he played more advanced competition in the USHL for Fargo, with 14 points in 27 games. Dallas bet on the physical tools.

Tufte was part of two NCAA champions with Minnesota-Duluth, but never as a top contributor or play driver. When he got to the AHL for the first time last year, he simply bombed, with a meagre total of three goals and 15 points in 53 games. He could not play at the pace required of the level, which includes both his skating and his ability to move the puck in the right direction. Through four years, he has simply not developed, and he will need to completely change his development trajectory to have a chance of playing in the NHL at any point. The 2016 draft class has had its share of disappointments, so Tufte is not alone in that measure, but if he was even still viable as an NHL prospect, the Stars would have been a few slots higher on the org rankings this year.

Thomas Harley of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Thomas Harley, D (18^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 2)

One of the better defensemen in the OHL, Harley had a strong draft +1 year with the Mississauga Steelheads. Expectations were quite high for him this season and he was able to meet those, even if he was left off Canada’s WJC team.

A smooth, but explosive skater, Harley is able to have such a large impact on the offensive side of things because of how he dictates the pace of play exiting the offensive zone. An aggressive puck mover, he is always looking to lead the rush or jump up into the play. With his size and reach, he can be difficult to separate from the puck as he cuts through the neutral zone and this makes him an elite level facilitator.

His work as a powerplay quarterback took some nice steps forward this season as he gained confidence in his shot and in his ability to use his mobility to create lanes and make better, more calculated decisions at the blueline. Improving the accuracy of his shot is going to be a next step as too often his point shots are high and wide, when a better placed low shot would create a greater scoring chance.

As a defensive player, Harley needed to progress and he became more aggressive in using his size down low, especially when trying to separate players from the puck along the wall. However, as a net front presence, he will need to continue increasing his intensity level. Overall, he became a much more consistent defensive player, improving his gap control and decision making in his own end, trusting his mobility. He is far from a shutdown defender, but he has progressed without a doubt.

The question is, will Harley be in the NHL next year? I believe that he has the capability, depending on how Dallas wishes to fill out their third pairing. However, another year in the OHL would not be a bad thing for his development, allowing him to continue becoming a more comfortable and confident two-way defender. He is still on track to be a top four defenseman at the NHL level. - BO

Jake Oettinger, G (26^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 5)

The Dallas Stars have not had a denoted goaltender of the future since Jack Campbell was drafted 11th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft. Though Campbell, now a Maple Leaf, eventually became one of the premier backup goaltenders in hockey, he was a bust of epic proportions as a Stars prospect and appeared in just one game with Dallas. Selecting a goaltender in round one of the Draft is always a risk, but this time around, it appears the risk will pay off in the form of Jake Oettinger, a future high-tier NHL starter. Drafted 26th overall in 2017, Oettinger -- at just 21 -- received the lion’s share of starts with AHL Texas after three seasons of NCAA play at Boston University.

With a muscular 6-5” frame, he is a menacing behemoth of a netminder before even taking into account his skill and athleticism. His lateral movement and save selection, particularly with his glove, are superb, and he holds rebounds that other goalies can’t shut down themselves. He tracks pucks well through traffic and, while his footwork is a little flawed, he has improved in getting to the right spots in the crease to see shots with his chest and pads first. Mature and composed, he plays deep in the crease and relies more on his size and smarts than pure, reactionary reflexes.

With Ben Bishop signed through 2023 and Anton Khudobin, the league leader in save percentage, expressing a desire to re-sign with the Stars, Oettinger will likely get another full season of starts with Texas (if there is a 2020-21 AHL season) before joining the NHL fray. - TD

FRISCO, TX - SEPTEMBER 12: Ty Dellandrea #60 of the Dallas Stars (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)

Ty Dellandrea, C (13^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 1)

A former 13th overall selection by the Stars, Dellandrea had an excellent final year in the OHL before entering the pro level next season. He captained the Flint Firebirds to a strong season and was a key member of Team Canada’s gold medal entry at the 2020 World Junior Championships. As an offensive player, Dellandrea looked much more confident and stronger with the puck on his stick, allowing him to dictate play from the middle and prolong possession in the offensive end.

While his creativity and overall puck skill may not have progressed to the level that you might expect from a lottery selection, he remains a high end offensive option because of his vision, hockey sense, and tenacity. An aggressive player, he excels playing through traffic, rather than avoiding it and he does the majority of his damage near the crease and in the middle, where you have to excel to play in the NHL.

Dellandrea is also a strong two-way presence and faceoff man. He can be counted on to excel in any situation and can play any role asked of him. For this reason, it would not be shocking to see him make Dallas right out of the CHL next season, skipping the AHL entirely. He could play as a third- or fourth-line center and kill penalties at a high level. Dellandrea’s high end potential remains to be seen. He could end up as either a second- or third-line center and should be a member of Dallas’ leadership group eventually. - BO

Jason Robertson, LW (39^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 3)

After leading the Ontario Hockey League, arguably the world’s best junior hockey league, in points, Robertson walked into his first pro season with lofty expectations on his shoulders. Like any other physical task, the 2017 second rounder handled it with ease. Posting numbers good for fifth in points and third in goals among AHL rookies, Robertson handily paced the restructuring, struggling Texas Stars in scoring and was a dangerous option on a consistent shift-to-shift basis.

While he will never be the fastest or most agile skater, the Michigan native possesses silky hands, deft one-on-one moves, and outstanding puck-protection skills. His upper-body strength, especially at his age (playing out the whole season at 20 years old) is incredible; he is near impossible to push off the puck and can run the cycle or brush up against the boards like a seasoned pro.

Without the puck, he likes to play at the perimeter and find open spaces of ice to receive passes, contrary to a traditional 6-2” power forward who would generally just drive the net. His shot is quick and heavy, and worthy of being a triggerman on a future NHL power play unit. His skating, however, is a genuine and large concern; his feet are slow, and he shows very little spark in his acceleration. The Stars are a team desperate for help on offense, and Robertson is the team’s most dynamic scoring prospect. His value is only increased with left wing being his most common position, one of little depth on the NHL roster. - TD

FRISCO, TX - SEPTEMBER 12: Riley Damiani #70 of the Dallas Stars. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)

Riley Damiani, C (137^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

After a very strong draft +1 season with the Rangers two years ago, Damiani took a bit of a step backward this past year from a production standpoint. However, he remains a high energy offensive forward who projects as an NHL player.

Damiani is at his best when he keeps his feet moving in the offensive end and is tenacious in his pursuit of the puck. He has a high level of skill when in possession and can create in traffic by making defenders miss. While his shot is good, he is most definitely classified better as a playmaker, first and foremost. Damiani is also a competent two-way forward who works hard on the backcheck and, as such, can be an effective penalty killer.

One aspect of Damiani’s game that needed to improve this past season was his skating ability, in particular his first few steps, given his lack of size. While he did look more explosive, this will need to improve further at the professional level. Additionally, he was not as consistent of a pest this past year, so he will need to find a way to be aggressive and fearless at all times like he had been over the past two seasons.

Damiani projects as a quality third line forward at the NHL level, with it being highly possible that he shifts to the wing at the pro level. His skill set as a tenacious playmaker works best when he can control the half wall and work at retrievals. Additionally, he may be better in defensive situations as a winger. - BO

Dawson Barteaux, D (168^th overall, 2018. Pre-season: 16)

He is an effective shooter and likes to wind up and crack one but needs to pick his spots a better. Barteaux is at his most effective generating zone exits and using his pace into the neutral zone. While his skating is smooth, he isn’t really an end to end puck rusher as he doesn’t make decisions quick enough offensively to be constantly dangerous. Physically he can hold his own although he does need to get stronger to manage his own zone at the pro level. – VG

Adam Mascherin, LW (100^th overall, 2018 [Originally: 38^th overall, 2016 [Florida]. 2019 Rank: 7)

When he is healthy, he is a shooter’s shooter, capable of ripping wristers with speed and accuracy from the blueline in on any goaltender. While shooting is his most valuable attribute, he has quick hands and a knack for drawing space to himself before feeding an open linemate. He is not the quickest skater but has the body strength necessary of a 5-10” forward who can’t make up for it with length. Still only 22, he will need more AHL time to fully hash out a clear future role on a big-league team, but the potential is there. - TD

Joel Kiviranta, LW/RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed May 31, 2019. 2019 Rank: 19)

As the season progressed with AHL Texas, the 5-10” forward dazzled with creativity on offense as a top-line winger and a reliable presence on the penalty kill. His skating improved and his understanding of the game looked as refined as a ten-year North American pro as the season hit its mid-point, and he posted 12 points in 14 games during one stretch.

He is a terrific defender and played heavy PK minutes in the AHL during his rookie year. He is expected to be deployed similarly with Dallas in the near future as an energy-line speedster with the versatility of someone who can play spot top-six minutes, a-la soon-to-be UFA Mattias Janmark, as soon as next season. - TD

Nicholas Porco, LW (142^nd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 12)

Porco’s strength remains his skating ability. He is an absolutely electric skater who possesses elite level explosiveness. This allows him to be extremely visible in transition. When he does not have the puck on his stick however, he has a tendency to disappear. He needs to find a way to be a more consistent player away from the puck and be someone who can use his speed to create and fill open lanes through the middle.

Next season, Porco will be playing for an NHL contract. He certainly has the potential to have a big year in Barrie, where they will be counting on him to be a top six forward. Anything less than a 30 goal, point-per-game year should be labeled a disappointment. - BO

Joel L’Esperance, C/RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Jul. 1, 2018. 2019 Rank: 11)

As a two-way, right-shooting centerman with size and a goal-scoring touch, he would probably be playing NHL hockey on a team with less center depth than the Stars. He is a high energy centerman who plays a game that fits someone smaller than his 6-2”, 215lb self, shooting at high volumes and playing a heavy forechecking style. He has solid technical skating skill for a relatively large forward in spite of top speed that lags. He has a splendid wrist shot and his hockey IQ has carried over nicely from his four-year run in the college ranks.

Nearing his 25th birthday, L’Esperance’s game is as well-rounded as it is going to get and he will need to impress the Stars brass one way or another soon, though it is possible he sticks with another organization eventually. - TD

Oskar Back, C/RW (75^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 15)

He moved up to the SHL last season but did not take a big step forward as a player. He was still more of a role player at the WJC for Sweden. I would like to see him play with more poise and competitiveness and use his size and skating to be more of a force.

His puck skills do not stand out and I can’t see him becoming a productive player at a high level if he does not compete harder to create and produce for his team. If not, there is not much upside in his game rather than being a reliable bottom six center. He will play next season in the SHL again. - JH

Rhett Gardner, C/LW (116^th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

A tenacious, heavy defensive center with long reach and the speed to pressure opposing defensemen on the forecheck, Gardner rarely makes mistakes and is easy for coaches to trust in all situations. He shines on the penalty kill, where his active stick and constantly moving feet at the top or center of the zone keeps the puck on the outside. Strong on faceoffs and down low in the offensive zone, Gardner can be a facilitator of sorts, but is better suited to play a shutdown depth role. - TD

Fredrik Karlstrom, C (90^th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

His puck skills are fine but not more than average. His all-around game is good as well. If he can keep up how he finished the season and be a more productive player more consistently, then maybe he has middle six forward potential. He does not play with a physical edge to his game though so he will really need to find offensive effectiveness to become that player. Next season, he will be loaned back to SHL for another season. - JH

Jerad Rosburg, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 9, 2020. 2019 Rank: IE)

The Maryland native is also willing to push the pace offensively, although he is unlikely to succeed in that approach as a pro. His hands are quick enough to provide some offensive utility, but Rosburg’s surest path to the NHL is as a blue-collar, hard-working part of a bottom pairing, with some penalty killing options thrown in for good measure. He might not need more than a single year in the AHL before he is ready to acclimate to the NHL. - RW

Jacob Peterson, C (132^nd overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: UR)

His offensive hockey sense is not particularly high though, so long-term Peterson should be thought of as bottom six two-way forward. He produced well enough in his first SHL season in a smaller role, playing 10-11 minutes per game. Next season he is shifting from Frolunda to Farjestad and will hopefully get a bigger role. - JH

Ty Dellandrea – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – SAN JOSE SHARKS – Team Preview

FORWARD

DEFENCE

GOAL

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – DALLAS STARS – Team Preview – Player Profiles

Forwards

Defense

NHL PLAYOFF PREVIEW: DALLAS STARS VS VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS – Recent Stanley Cup finalists looking to complete unfinished business

Forwards

Defense

Goaltending

Special Teams

Conclusion

NHL: SZNAJDER – Sustainable or not? Battle for the Top of the Central Division Between Jets and Stars

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – DALLAS STARS – Top 20 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – DALLAS STARS – NHL Player Profiles

FORWARDS

DEFENSE

GOALTENDING

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Top 300 Prospect Rankings

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Dallas Stars Top 20 Prospects

Thomas Harley, D (18th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Jake Oettinger, G (26th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 2)

Ty Dellandrea, C (13th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 3)

Mavrik Bourque, C (30th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Jason Robertson, LW (39th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 4)

Riley Damiani, C (137th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 5)

Antonio Stranges, LW (82nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Dawson Barteaux, D (168th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Evgeni Oksentyuk, RW/LW (162nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Daniel Ljungman, C (154th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Adam Mascherin, LW (100th overall, 2018 [Originally: 38th overall, 2016 [Florida]. Previous ranking: 7)

Joel Kiviranta, LW/RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed May 31, 2019. Previous ranking: 8)

Nicholas Porco, LW (142nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

Joel L’Esperance, C/RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Jul. 1, 2018. Previous ranking: 10)

Oskar Back, C/RW (75th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 11)

Rhett Gardner, C/LW (116th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 12)

Fredrik Karlstrom, C (90th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 13)

Jerad Rosburg, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 9, 2020. Previous ranking: 14)

Jacob Peterson, C (132nd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 15)

MCKEENS 2020 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT – TOP 250 PROSPECTS

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – DALLAS STARS – ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 29

Dallas Stars

Thomas Harley, D (18th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 2)

Jake Oettinger, G (26th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 5)

Ty Dellandrea, C (13th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 1)

Jason Robertson, LW (39th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 3)

Riley Damiani, C (137th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

Dawson Barteaux, D (168th overall, 2018. Pre-season: 16)

Adam Mascherin, LW (100th overall, 2018 [Originally: 38th overall, 2016 [Florida]. 2019 Rank: 7)

Joel Kiviranta, LW/RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed May 31, 2019. 2019 Rank: 19)

Nicholas Porco, LW (142nd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 12)

Joel L’Esperance, C/RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Jul. 1, 2018. 2019 Rank: 11)

Oskar Back, C/RW (75th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 15)

Rhett Gardner, C/LW (116th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

Fredrik Karlstrom, C (90th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

Jerad Rosburg, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 9, 2020. 2019 Rank: IE)

Jacob Peterson, C (132nd overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: UR)

Thomas Harley, D (18^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Jake Oettinger, G (26^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 2)

Ty Dellandrea, C (13^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 3)

Mavrik Bourque, C (30^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Jason Robertson, LW (39^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 4)

Riley Damiani, C (137^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 5)

Antonio Stranges, LW (82^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Dawson Barteaux, D (168^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Evgeni Oksentyuk, RW/LW (162^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Daniel Ljungman, C (154^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Adam Mascherin, LW (100^th overall, 2018 [Originally: 38^th overall, 2016 [Florida]. Previous ranking: 7)

Nicholas Porco, LW (142^nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

Oskar Back, C/RW (75^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 11)

Rhett Gardner, C/LW (116^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 12)

Fredrik Karlstrom, C (90^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 13)

Jacob Peterson, C (132^nd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 15)

Thomas Harley, D (18^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 2)

Jake Oettinger, G (26^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 5)

Ty Dellandrea, C (13^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 1)

Jason Robertson, LW (39^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 3)

Riley Damiani, C (137^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

Dawson Barteaux, D (168^th overall, 2018. Pre-season: 16)

Adam Mascherin, LW (100^th overall, 2018 [Originally: 38^th overall, 2016 [Florida]. 2019 Rank: 7)

Nicholas Porco, LW (142^nd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 12)

Oskar Back, C/RW (75^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 15)

Rhett Gardner, C/LW (116^th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

Fredrik Karlstrom, C (90^th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

Jacob Peterson, C (132^nd overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: UR)