TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The Dallas Stars prospects posted a 1-2-1 record and finished seventh in the NHL Prospects Tournament here in Northern Michigan.
While the win-loss results aren’t attractive, it was a younger team at the tournament and consisted heavily of AHL-contracted players and free agent invites.
By comparison, the teams playing in the championship game — the Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks — each had multiple first-round picks and big-name prospects on their roster.
So how did the Stars individual players perform during the four-game tournament?
(Note: Grades are on different scales for each player. A top-prospect and higher draft pick is graded more harshly and has higher expectations than an AHL-contracted player or free agent invite).
Forwards
Jason Robertson — He was invisible for the majority of the tournament, which is a bit concerning for a player that was widely viewed as a potential first-round pick before falling to the second round. He does have offensive upside and can create chances in tight spaces around the net — had a seemingly sure goal stolen from him by Wild goalie Adam Vay on Monday. The concerns about his skating are real, and he’ll have to improve in that realm to have a real NHL future. Still had four assists in the tournament.
Grade: C-
Roope Hintz — Making an adjustment to North American can be difficult, but Hintz is headed in the right direction. In the first game there were times he was thrown off by the size of the rink, but he corrected those problems and looked more comfortable. Starting to look like a two-way center that can create for his teammates. Nice combination of skill and size, should continue to progress with AHL experience this season.
Grade: B
Denis Gurianov — Top picks and players with AHL experience are supposed to be dominant forces in Traverse City, Gurianov showed spurts but didn’t consistently impact the game in the first half of the tournament. The coaching staff had a discussion with Gurianov about that during the off day on Sunday and he responded with four goals and a dominant showing in the final two games. The overall lack of consistency was concerning, especially since it’s not talent-based. He still has the highest ceiling of any Stars prospect in Traverse City and hopefully will have the right attitude in NHL training camp.
Grade: C+ (averaging out an F from the first two games and an A from the final two).
Nick Caamano — Put up points (two goals, two assists) and found a bit of a natural fit on the left wing with with Sheldon Dries and Tomas Soustal. He’s a goal scorer that’s often in the right place at the right time. Going to play in Flint again this season, and don’t be surprised if he gets traded to an OHL contender before the CHL trade deadline.
Grade: C+
Brett Davis — Hard-working sixth-round pick. Plays more of an energy game and isn’t overly skilled.
Grade: C
Sheldon Dries — AHL-contract forward played in front of a bit of a hometown crowd in Traverse City after friends and family from Western Michigan made the drive. The Stars most reliable forward throughout the tournament. Works hard, knows the game well, and makes up for his lack of skill. Type of player to keep an eye on a future NHL contract in the Justin Dowling-type mold. Was named assistant captain for final two games after showing a leadership role.
Grade: A-
Tomas Soustal — Free agent invite from the WHL. Worked hard, not overly skilled. Set up a nice goal in the loss to St. Louis. Was injured in final game against New York.
Grade: C
Samuel Laberge — He’s a bit of an agitator and a pest, Texas Stars coach Derek Laxdal said he “has a bit of Roussel in him.” Does all the little things you’d like to see in a depth forward and he’s signed to an AHL contract with Texas. Blocks shots extremely well and isn’t afraid to risk his body for his team. Type of player that could earn an NHL contract in the future.
Grade: B+
Max French — Oldest player on the roster and a hard worker. Was a bit of a goal scorer for Bentley in the AHA, but won’t play that role as a pro. Wasn’t afraid to stand up for his teammates and picked a fight with a much larger opponent against St. Louis.
Grade: C+
Zach Roberts — Free agent invite who went undrafted. Good energy, but not overly noticeable.
Grade: C
Shaw Boomhower — Reminds me of Laberge from last year. Works hard, decent shot, does the little things. Could be a name Stars bring to development camp and Traverse City in 2018 and there could be conversations to sign him.
Grade: B
Cole Tymkin — Wasn’t afraid to go head to head and challenge the high-profile prospects on the other teams, clearly working his hardest to impress the scouts in attendance (not a bad thing). Could play his way into being a late draft pick next year.
Grade: C+
Vince Loschiavo — Free agent invite. Didn’t grab much attention in a positive or negative way and only played in two of the four games.
Grade: Incomplete
Defense
Gavin Bayreuther — Captain of the team and he’s a natural leader, type of player that could be an NHL captain some day if he becomes a full-time NHL defender. He was one of the older players at the tournament, so he was expected to be the Stars best defenseman — delivered on that mandate. Smooth skater, composed, and makes smart decisions. Stat line took a hit because of players around him.
Grade: C+
Niklas Hansson — Some raw potential here, but he struggled with turnovers and the size of the rink. Did score a nice power play goal, but was more often on the wrong end of positive plays for the opposition. Making the jump to the AHL this season so he’ll have more time to adjust to the speed and size in North America.
Grade: C
Chris Martenet — Missed two games due to illness, but he’s made strides since the 2016 Tournament where he looked overmatched and couldn’t keep up with the speed. Smarter player than a year ago and has a bit of swagger to his game. Will benefit from playing big minutes, possibly in the ECHL with the Idaho Steelheads.
Grade: Incomplete
John Nyberg — He’s going to play in Sweden again this season, so the struggles with the size of the rink aren’t a huge concern, yet. Likes to skate and create plays, just needs to make smart decisions and balance when and when not to rush the puck.
Grade: C+
Eric Sweetman — AHL-contracted player that will likely spend the season in Idaho. Plays a more physical game than you’d expect and works hard. Avoids mistakes and was on the ice for more positive plays than most defenders. Was a team-best plus-5 during the tournament.
Grade: B
Ondrej Vala — Got better as the tournament progressed. Good size and a heavy shot, decision making and positioning need to improve.
Grade: C
Shane Hanna — AHL depth signing by Texas. Plays a simple game, should be an efficient player for the Idaho Steelheads.
Grade: C+
Goalies
Landon Bow — Had a real opportunity this tournament to build some momentum to carry into training camp and didn’t deliver early on. Did respond with a nice game against New York and is hoping to carry that momentum into training camp.
Grade: C-
Jeremy Brodeur — Son of the NHL’s all-time leader in victories, he played one game and looked sharp in a 4-2 loss to the Wild. Stars don’t have any room in their system, but he’ll likely get a minor-league contract — maybe the ECHL — somewhere.
Grade: C+
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