Editor’s note: I’m experimenting with a new daily feature for Wrong Side of the Red Line. Essentially a quick-hitting post each morning that should be easily consumable with a cup of coffee/tea/orange juice…. Please let me know what you think and if we should continue this project.
Around lunch time on Tuesday the Dallas Stars cut seven players from their training camp roster and sent those players back to their respective junior teams.
That included 2017 second-round pick Jason Robertson and NHL-contracted defender (who has brief AHL experience) Ondrej Vala. It’s a move that makes sense with the major junior season starting up this weekend, those players weren’t going to play an NHL preseason game so it makes sense to have them back with their CHL teams as soon as possible.
Nick Caamano was the lone exception from the junior exodus. And the 19-year-old left winger has quickly turned into one of the best stories of training camp.
Caamano played in the Stars 5-3 preseason win last night and scored a goal. He was noticeable every time he was on the ice, which is even more impressive when you consider he only had 5 minutes, 14 seconds of ice time.
It was a strong enough showing to earn Caamano another preseason game Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche and delay his return to the OHL.
A week ago it was seemingly impossible that Caamano would make the NHL roster. It’s still extremely unlikely, but you can’t help but wonder if the winger can play himself into the roster conversation and if he could at least earn an extended NHL cameo at the start of the season.
If that were to happen Dallas would have nine NHL games to make a decision on Caamano. Once he plays 10 games the first-year of his entry-level contract would kick in and Dallas wouldn’t want to burn a year of an ELC if he’s not going to be an everyday NHL player.
Housekeeping notes
– Speaking of Caamano, the September Prospect Insider will publish sometime later today for subscribers. Originally it was going to come out Monday, but I wanted to watch a couple prospects in Tuesday’s preseason game for final notes and observation.
– Stars goalie Mike McKenna is confirmed to be a podcast guest this week. Assuming he isn’t playing Thursday against Colorado (which seems likely after he played last night) we will be recording Thursday afternoon. McKenna is one of the more interesting players in training camp. For example, did you know even though he plays goalie like a silly-sider, he’s not actually left-handed?
– There will be a subscriber story later today looking at Marc Methot and finding the right defensive partner for the veteran.
Catch-up links
Janmark stars in return to NHL game action, Caamano continues to show moxie
Benn and Seguin starting to build chemistry with Radulov
Today’s schedule:
Stars have an off day. There is practice at Frisco tomorrow morning and a preseason game that evening against the Colorado Avalanche.
Justin.schmidt24 says
I like the added feature. Like a quick thoughts with Sean in the morning lol
TBox56 says
Good way to start the day, I like it.