Editor’s note: This is the second part of a series previewing individual players projected to make the Dallas Stars roster heading into the 2017-18 season.
Adam Cracknell is the rare Dallas Star that actually wants to build off of the 2016-17 season.
While the majority of the roster is looking for a fresh start or to simply forget last season, Cracknell is hoping to build off a career year and could provide stability to the Stars bottom-six forwards.
But before looking forward, we should admire Cracknell’s work from last season.
Cracknell was signed as a depth forward — not an NHL depth forward, but an organizational depth forward. He was expected to add competition to NHL training camp, but many in the organization already had him pencilled into the AHL roster and he likely would have been been one of the alternate captains in Cedar Park.
Injuries in training camp opened up opportunities and Cracknell made the NHL opening night roster. He had a strong preseason, but in reality some still expected a return trip to the AHL once the Stars got healthier.
But Cracknell never stepped foot in the AHL. He ended up appearing in a career-high 69 NHL games and had a career-high 10 goals and 16 points.
Three of his goals came in a 6-1 win against the San Jose Sharks as Cracknell recorded his first career hat trick, capping it off with a shorthanded goal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkhQE4YYmZw
While his goal outburst was the highlight, Cracknell’s overall work led to a one-year one-way, $600,000 contract extension. The one-way contract was a sign of the Stars confidence in Cracknell, and provides some nice stability for the 32-year-old after he and his had their first child, a daughter, back in April.
“Hopefully YouTube is still around in many years and my daughter can watch and show her I was actually a good hockey player,” Cracknell said after his hat trick.
And Cracknell worked hard to prove he is “actually a good hockey player.” At practices and morning skates Cracknell was always the first player on the ice. He’d get in extra skating work and would help goalie coach Jeff Reese warm up the goalies before they went through drills, often with Cracknell shooting.
“I like to be out there,” Cracknell said during the season. “Why not? I’m here, I’m going to put in extra work and I like the routine it gives me. Also I get to score a bunch of goals.”
You can expect that routine to continue during the 2017-18 season and Cracknell should have a positive impact on the locker room. His work ethic should be used as an example for younger players, and Cracknell is universally liked by teammates — even if he’s willing to poke some fun at their expense on social media.
https://twitter.com/ACracknell27/status/826664806883196928
Overall Cracknell brings stability and versatility to the Stars third or fourth line. He can play center or wing and understands his role. With Cracknell on the ice the Stars actually did a better job of somewhat limiting chances in front of their own net, and a majority of the Stars were better while playing with Cracknell.
While the third and fourth line — and all the lines for that matter — have yet to be finalized, Cracknell should be a key part of the Stars depth and could build on a career year.
jkmcdowe says
With Cracknell being such a great influence on young players and universally liked, what’s from stopping him from becoming a leader and getting an A?
Sean Shapiro says
If anything it’s the possibility he might not be in the lineup every night. Something coaches try to avoid with giving an A to a bottom-six forward.