With the most talented 'Yotes players still in Australia for the NHL Global Series, I knew that the Stars weren't going to put there best roster out there. Plus it's the first preseason game. But I was still not expecting the complete 7-0 schlacking the mostly-AHL Stars were going to put on the Coyotes on Sunday.
#TEXASHOCKEY IS INDEED BACK@budlight pic.twitter.com/t5s6ppLMsb
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) September 25, 2023
One of the bright spots in the game was Logan Stankoven. Logan has been talked about all offseason as he ends his junior career and begins his pro career. The most talked about prospect this offseason ended the game with two goals. Many took to social media to express their excitement for the young Kamloops, B.C. native.
If Stankoven cracks the roster and stays in Dallas, which family is taking him in? Does Pavs build a bunkbed for him and Wyatt?
— Annie (@MsRegPhalange) September 25, 2023
When Stankoven is on the ice, it is impossible to stop watching him.
— acertainmaybe (@acertainmaybe) September 25, 2023
There's no question that he has the potential to be a top 6 forward in the NHL, but the big question is, will he force General Manager Jim Nill's hand to put him on the opening night roster THIS season?
Jim Nill said he doesn’t want players like Logan Stankoven and Mavrik Bourque to be 13th or 14th forwards and would rather them get ice time in the AHL. He said he wants them to give Pete DeBoer a tough choice in training camp.
— Lia Assimakopoulos (@Lassimak) September 20, 2023
To my agonizing acknowledgement, it's going to be very difficult for him to crack a lineup that projects to have Matt Duchene on the "3rd" line. It's just amazing the amount of forward depth the Stars have at the NHL level. It's not in Logan's best interest to be playing bottom six minutes at the NHL level. I'd much rather see him light up the AHL in a top six forward role than get minimal minutes in an NHL.
James made a very good point on an episode several weeks ago that he doesn't think Stankoven will make the opening night roster, BUT he could see Stankoven getting called up in the middle of the season if and/or when the Stars deal with injuries. I could definitely seeing this happen since the Stars were one of the healthiest teams throughout last season. Maybe karma comes roaring back and the Stars deal with multiple long-term injuries, but we'll see.
I was right about Johnston making the opening night roster last season... My ultimate prediction for Stanky? I REALLY am cheering for him to make the big boy team with Dallas, but with the forward depth the organization currently has, I don't see him making the opening night roster. Could he? Absolutely, but only time will tell if Stankoven forces Nill's hand.
