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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Jim Nill Shares Thoughts on the Roster Battle

After Remi Elie, Radek Faksa and Jason Dickinson were sent down to the Texas Stars, GM Jim Nill took the time to talk about the prospects’ performances in the preseason and how the moves affect Curtis McKenzie and Mattias Janmark’s chances for a roster spot.

With the moves, the Stars now have 14 forwards on the roster, appearing to leave Curtis McKenzie and Mattias Janmark battling for the final spot. But Nill suggested that is not the case.

“It’s down to more than that,” Nill said. “It’s good competition. Janmark has come in and has been the unknown guy. He’s caught everybody’s attention, which is good. McKenzie the last couple games has played better. They are in competition with these other guys on the bottom half of the roster.”

Nill also had positive things to say about AHL-bound Elie, Faksa, and Dickinson.

“They’ve all come in, done a great job and been noticed,” Nill said. “They had good camps, they played the way they should play. Young guys always get an exhibition game as part of the experience, but [Elie and Faksa] got five, Dickinson got hurt so he couldn’t. They got those other four games because the coaches want them in the lineup. The coaches like them, they are doing the right things. That’s the message we sent them.

“The other message is you’re young; you’ve got to play big minutes and keep improving. To put you on the team to be the extra forward just doesn’t make sense. …

There’s more from our fearless GM at the link. [Stars]

Tonight is the Stars’ final preseason game, which means that the wait for the 2015-16 season is finally almost over. Dallas takes on Chicago in the Windy City at 7:30 p.m, and here’s a look at what to expect.

Buffalo bench boss Dan Bylsma was named the preseason favorite for the Jack Adams Award. Also in the running? None other than Lindy Ruff. [NHL.com]

Get to know current play-by-play guy Dave Strader a little better, and find out what Ralph Strangis has been up to this summer. [DMN]

The Stars clocked in at No. 11 on NHL.com’s preseason “Super 16.” [NHL.com]

ICYMI, Jack Campbell is once again battling injury.

Captain Jamie Benn was named one of the top 10 players to watch this season. [Sportsnet]

Not wanting his BFF/linemate to outshine him, Tyler Seguin was named the NHL’s eighth-best player heading into 2015-16. [CBS Sports]

The Stars are depending on three things to drive their success this year: championship experience, a healthy Valeri Nichushkin, and strong competition in net. [NHL.com]

The Senators will have to wait a little longer to see if the Hamburglar can continue stealing games for them.

Along with placing Bryan Bickell on waivers, the Blackhawks sent Marko Dano, who was acquired in the Brandon Saad trade, down to the AHL. [Puck Daddy]

The final part of Sean McIndoe’s 2015-16 preview—which includes Cup contenders—is now up. [Grantland]

You can now send all your mail in style, thanks to Canada Post.

New Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello chatted with Pierre LeBrun about landing in Toronto and leaving New Jersey. [ESPN]

Turns out, you can’t do this, either.

No one worry, the Islanders‘ goal horn is back to normal. [SI]

Connor McDavid! The World Cup! 3-on-3 OT! Just try to look away from these top 2015-16 story lines. [Sportsnet]

And finally, Fiddler on the Loose is back. Happy Saturday, y’all.

Stars Insider: Fiddler On The Loose

It’s that time of year again where Dallas Stars forward Vernon Fiddler puts on the cowboy boots and black cowboy hat to hit the streets and ask only the tough hockey questions.It’s time for Fiddler On The Loose.#GoStars

Posted by Fox Sports Southwest on Thursday, October 1, 2015

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