We will get a further update later this afternoon, but it’s likely that Radek Faksa will miss Monday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets.
The Stars have also already made it clear that Brett Ritchie and Martin Hanzal will also miss Monday’s game, meaning the Stars will need at least one call-up from the AHL at forward.
They could also need a second if Tyler Pitlick’s day-to-day status will keep him out on Monday.
So who will get called up? Let’s take a look at the options.
Curtis McKenzie: This is the obvious first choice, and if there is only one call-up it will be McKenzie. He has NHL experience, is willing to outwork anyone on the ice, and will have a chip on his shoulder after getting passed by a couple younger players on the depth chart. McKenzie has six points in 10 AHL games, and he has earned a call-up with his play.
Justin Dowling: Dowling had a decent training camp, but hasn’t had the greatest AHL season with one point in nine games. He does have NHL experience and can play a simple, yet skilled game that the Stars could use in the bottom-six.
Brian Flynn: A veteran with more than 50 NHL games just last season, he could be the ideal call-up for a short-term injury. Is playing well lately and had two goals against the Bakersfield Condors on Thursday. Can play both wing and center, so he brings some lineup flexibility to the fold for the fourth line.
Roope Hintz: Hintz continues to take major strides with each viewing, and should be an NHL call-up option by the end of this season. At this point, however, he’s not ready in my opinion. He’s still learning and adjusting to the game, and there are gaps in his game that would be exposed at the NHL level.
Denis Gurianov: Gurianov may not even be an option. He missed Saturday’s game with an illness, and frankly hasn’t been very good this season in the AHL. While he has a high future ceiling, he hasn’t done anything to earn the call-up at this point.
If the Stars only need one call-up it will likely be McKenzie, who can also play a more physical game against a team like Winnipeg. If they need two it will probably come down to a decision between Dowling and Flynn.
Catch-up links
Here is my game recap from NHL.com
Post-game column on Gemel Smith, moxie, and depth scoring
Jamie Benn fought with Dustin Byfuglien the other night, he impressed a couple former enforcers
Today’s Schedule
The Stars practice at 1 p.m. in Frisco. It is open to the public.
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