Throughout training camp RJ Umberger had a stall in the Dallas Stars locker room at the practice facility in Frisco.
While it was always a long shot for Umberger to make the team as a tryout player, it was a nod of respect to an NHL veteran and former Ken Hitchcock disciple.
When Umberger was released from his PTO on Wednesday that opened up a stall in the locker room, and when the players arrived at practice on Thursday that seat belonged to Remi Elie.
It was also the first time the Stars had all of the players using one locker room, so the rest of the roster hopefuls and younger players — Jason Dickinson, Roope Hintz, and Gemel Smith — were using folding chairs in the middle of the locker room.
What does that mean?
“I don’t know, but it’s nice to have a real seat,” Elie said.
The seat upgrade is likely a sign of NHL experience. Elie has played 18 NHL games played, slightly ahead of Smith (17) and Dickinson (11).
So don’t read too much into the seat upgrade at this moment, and remember none of the younger players have won a roster spot at this point. With the Stars contract situation it would actually be easier for management to send Elie, Dickinson, Hintz, and Smith to the AHL as wavier-exempt players.
However, if you look at the organizational pecking order, things haves been going Elie’s way lately.
In practice on Thursday Elie got to fill in on the top line with Jamie Benn taking the day off. Hitchcock has also said that Elie will get a chance to play on a line with Martin Hanzal in practice this week. From talking to outside scouts there seems to be a consensus that Elie is ready for the NHL.
We also can’t ignore that Elie plays a natural hard-charging style on the wing. The Stars are set at center — Dickinson, Smith, and Hintz’ natural position — meaning Elie could have an edge as Hitchcock tries to fill out the bottom six.
Housekeeping notes
– The mailbag comes out around 9:30 this morning. It’s loaded and covers everything from Julius Honka in the AHL, Ben Bishop’s goalie masks, Hitchcock’s discipline, and much more.
– It’s one week until the first game of the regular season. Remember that teams have to have final cap-compliant rosters by Tuesday.
Catchup links
Notes: Hitchcock has picked opening night defense, Hanzal in practice, Benn on maintenance program
Denis Gurianov hoping for more consistency in the AHL
Also, take 12 minutes out your day and watch this piece on Paul Kariya.
Today’s schedule
The Stars practice at 10:30 a.m. in Frisco. It is open to the public.
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