It's early, but Roope Hintz is already grabbing the Stars attention

At an informal skate in Frisco last week Roope Hintz put on a minor puck-handling clinic during a small-sided three-on-three scrimmage.

He picked up the puck behind his net, angled his body to protect it as he charged forward, slipped the puck around another defender’s stick, and ended up with complete possession behind the opposite net. From there he faked one way, took a step in the other direction, and set up Denis Gurianov with a seeing-eye pass at the far post.

It’s just a collection of moves at informal skates, but Hintz is already starting to grab attention of those within the organization.

Management is high on Hintz. Several of the Dallas Stars top brass are looking forward to watching him in Traverse City this week against his peer group, and believe he could be an NHL option this season. The older players have noticed his skills, and been very complimentary of the 20-year-old during informal skates.

Perhaps the only person not caught up in the Hintz hype is the actual player himself.

“I don’t think about that much, it would be really great to (make the NHL right away) but it’s not something I’m worried about,” Hintz said. “I’m just looking forward to having a good season here in (the AHL) or in Dallas).”

There are going to be adjustments from Finland to North America, Hintz points out the size of the ice and the end-to-end speed are different, but the second-round pick (49th overall) in 2015 has the hockey IQ and skills to make a quick transition.

“He has great awareness, I’ve watched him a couple times in person over there (in Finland),” Stars player development coordinator Rich Peverley said. “He does a nice job of creating chances all over the ice. Whether it’s with the puck or without it, he make it feel like there is more time and space for his group.”

There’s also a versatility factor to Hintz. Positionally he can play both wing and center (he prefers center is expected to start there in the AHL), while he can fit into either a goal scoring or playmaking role on the line — he’s comfortable in close around the net and can finish chances, while he’s just as comfortable being the primary passer.

“It’s a bit of both,” Hintz said. “I can do either, and I’m happy with both. Nice to score, but feels even better sometimes when (you have the assist).”

Texas Stars coach Derek Laxdal has only seen glimpses of Hintz’ game, relying primarily on July’s development camp, but said Traverse City could be a big week for the Finn.

“We’re going to get more of the book on him of what type of player he is over here,” Laxdal said. “He’s going to play big minutes (in Traverse City) against other players and prospects that are supposed to have bright futures. Should be fun to see what Roope can do.”