Dallas Stars Daily Links: Roope Hintz Gets His Biggest Assignment Yet

The Dallas Stars continue their preseason tonight against the Minnesota Wild, and the lineup continues to take shape as head coach Jim Montgomery tinkers with combinations. One of the most interesting mixes will involve Roope Hintz – a player who many fans hope can step up to the 2C challenge.

Hintz will center two superstars during tonight’s game, reports Mark Stepneski:

Jamie Benn and Alexander Radulov will skate on the top line with [Hintz] at center. The Stars want to see how the 21-year-old Hintz fares playing with the team’s top two wingers.

”We want to give him an opportunity to see what he can do in an offensive situation,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery will also roll out a second line that looks as if it comes directly from the DBD comments section: Jason Spezza driving the tank with Mattias Janmark and Valeri Nichushkin on point. As for the bottom six, he likes what he’s seen of Denis Gurianov, and says the Stars’ other Russian first-rounder is making a good case for staying in Dallas in October:

“I think he has with his play the last two games,” Montgomery said when asked if Gurianov has put himself on the bubble for a roster spot. “We actually thought he was better last night than he was in Minnesota. Credit to him. He’s earned the right to still be here.

”He just needs to continue to impress and have an impact on the game. He’s having an impact. He is pretty dynamic out there, and he has the ability to score goals. If you can score goals, we’re going to find a place for you.”

Mark has much more. [Stars Inside Edge]

Stars Stories

Mike Heika shared some practice notes from Sunday:

The Stars have trimmed the roster again, and Nicholas Caamano, Chris Martenet, Adam Mascherin and Ondrej Vala are among those reporting to Cedar Park.

Tyler Seguin came in at No. 20 in the #NHLTopPlayers list. Fair and reasonable? [NHL]

Around the League(s)

Last night, in the #MDK Warmup:

• With two goals from Sammy Blais and three assists by Robert Thomas, the St. Louis Blues romped on the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-1. [NHL]
• Mark Scheifele and Skyler McKenzie scored twice each to lead the Winnipeg Jets past the Edmonton Oilers 5-3. [NHL]

There’s still contract news here and there, including the Montreal Canadiens’ new $13.6 million extension for forward Paul Byron.

On Saturday, the San Jose Sharks debuted a third sweater on the back of brand-new defender Erik Karlsson. Greg Wyshynski breaks down the “Stealth” jersey. [ESPN]

Katie Strang examines the advantages and the limitations of nutrition tailored to an NHL player’s individual DNA.

Think good thoughts for Hamilton Bulldogs coach Dave Matsos, who is recovering in the hospital after collapsing on the bench during a Saturday game against the Barrie Colts.

Greetings From Scenic Cedar Park

Do you have what it takes to run PA for the Texas Stars? Here’s your chance to prove it.

Finally

Stick tap to DBD’s own Harry Wagstaff for finding this video of 2018 first-rounder Ty Dellandrea chucking knuckles with opponent Hayden Fowler. Enjoy.