The Dallas Stars have announced the roster of players who will be traveling to and competing in the Traverse City Prospect Tournament. Play for the Stars begins on Thursday, September 14.
This year’s group trends a bit younger than past teams, and features many of the team’s top prospects.
At forward, several top performers for the Texas Stars return for the three game tournament, including Oskar Back, Matej Blumel and Mavrik Bourque. Logan Stankoven is the other top draft pick joining the team. The rest of the group are mid-level draft picks, college players and a handful of amateur try-outs.
Unless the Stars mix in their top players throughout the lineup, expect the team to ice a high octane top six, with the bottom six being a mix of mid-level prospects playing for a role with the Texas Stars. Last year, a relatively unknown Blumel parlayed a fast start at Traverse City into a short look in the NHL – and he proved to be one of the top rookies of the season in the AHL.
On defense, Lian Bichsel is the top attraction, and this will be a first competitive look at the first round pick on North American ice. Christian Kyrou has a chance to show some defensive consistency to go with his offensive creativity and scoring. Gavin White and Artem Grushnikov both should be playing for the opportunity to start in a third pair role with Texas.
There has been significant hype behind 2023 fourth round pick Aram Minnetian, but he isn’t on the roster. Instead, look to second round pick Tristan Bertucci to prove his bona fides.
Remi Poirier is the top netminder with the team, and after a standout year with the ECHL Idaho Steelheads last season (and good numbers in the AHL), he should be splitting time with Matt Murray in Texas once the regular season starts. If things play to form, he’ll get the first and third games in Traverse City. Joining him is Bryan Thomson – who played for the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes before joining the Texas Stars last spring on an ATO. A good showing could open up an opportunity for a contract, and an opportunity to play in Boise.
This year’s tournament is comprised of just four teams, and there is no championship up for grabs. Even so, players are looking to open eyes within the Stars organization.
The Stars schedule is a follows (all time EDT):
Thursday, Sept. 14 6:30 p.m. – Stars vs. Red Wings
Friday, Sept. 15 6:30 p.m. – Stars vs. Maple Leafs
Sunday, Sept. 17 11 a.m. – Stars vs. Blue Jackets