Good day, DBD! It’s never too early to start thinking about the next NHL Draft, so let’s stand over here and do that.
We’ll have Dallas Stars training camp news any day now. Any day now. But for now, everyone’s making their own fun, and some of it is actually interesting.
That sounds like a pretty good introduction for David Castillo’s latest piece. The D Magazine contributor (and Friend of DBD) is taking a long look at players to watch for an NHL Draft that’s nearly a year away. As he sees it, GM Jim Nill will have a great opportunity to refill the Stars’ homegrown talent pool over the next three years:
Like in 2024, Dallas will not have a second rounder in 2025 — they will have a pick in every round outside of that, including two in the 5th — so choosing wisely will be extra critical. However, overall the Stars are set up well over the next three years to stock up. Every team has 21 potential picks to make over a three-year period, and the Stars have 21 picks over the next three years. They’re about to go grocery shopping.
David is already finding players who might look good in Victory Green and tracking their development until the next draft. For example, a player like 5’9″ Arizona State center Cullen Potter:
Potter led the US National U17 Team in points with 46 in 54 games. He has some of the most effortless, yet powerful speed among any of the 2025 prospects I’ve seen. So why would he be a late first rounder?
You guessed it: he’s smol.
There’s much more at David’s Substack, so be sure to stop by. [Stars Stack]
Stars Stuff
Are the Barrie Colts aiming to become Stars Prospect Central? First they drafted Emil Hemming, now Tristan Bertucci is bound for Central Ontario thanks to a trade with the Niagara IceDogs. [Barrie Colts]
Around The Leagues
- So what’s going on with Utah Hockey Club? And are they really stuck with that name for their first season? GM Bill Armstrong answers some burning questions. [KSL-TV Sports]
- Too soon to talk about another NHL expansion draft? Adam Proteau believes it’s just a matter of time until the league goes for 34 teams. [The Hockey News]
Finally
These are the moments we live for. Enjoy.