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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Denis Guryanov and the 2015 NHL Draft Class

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

The 2015 NHL draft was full of surprises, wasn’t it? Let’s go over a few things we learned about the newest member of the Dallas Stars — forward Denis Guryanov, most recently of Russia’s HC Lada Togliatti.

First of all, he loves to score. He did it six times in five games at the U18 World Junior Championships.

Second, he can play both left and right wing, according to his scouting report at The Draft Analyst.

He’s usually the most skilled player on the ice at any given time. Guryanov has an excellent shot and release; he’s most certainly a natural goal scorer who is very clever around the net. His release is lightning quick and can also fire off a pretty wicked backhander off the rush. Guryanov is also super competitive and plays with a strong desire to win and be the best. He uses his powerful leg drive and upper body strength to deliver solid body checks, but he can also dominate a cycle by protecting the puck with a long reach and sound positioning. He’s shown flashes of being a playmaker, but he can also over-handle the puck and make questionable decisions. Like most offensive forwards, his commitment to the defensive zone is a work in progress, but he’s always involved in the play and does not shy away from the dirty areas in either zone. Projects to be a top-six scoring forward who can be used in either special teams situations. A first-round lottery talent for sure.

And the Russian Factor isn’t just about players: It reflects a certain bias in the scouting system.

The shock of this pick turned to delight in real time.

The Stars quickly shared information about the next step for their new prospect.

And, of course, there were the usual getting-to-know-you duties.

But how do you really spell his name? People really need to know.

Gurianov is listed with a “y” in his name in most reports, but the NHL is listing his name with an “i”

Thank you, Mike Heika! (He has much more at DallasNews.com.) [Sports Day DFW]

*****

Did you know they did this like, 29 other times last night? Kooky. In case you missed any of the names — and since a thunderstorm knocked out cable reception in parts of North Texas, you might have — the NHL has you covered. [NHL.com]

And they’re doing this six more times today! Don’t forget, the Stars have a page for that. [DallasStars.com/Draft]

Make no mistake: The Dallas Stars got their man last night, says Mark Stepneski. [Stars Inside Edge]

Defending Big D’s Huw Wales has more on this pick, including a shift-by-shift video that could make you giggle like a kindergarten baby. [DBD]

And Stephanie Vail, a.k.a. @MyRegularFace, captured a nice little Jim Lites moment in animated GIF format.

The first round gave us a night full of surprises, and the intrigue began with the third pick, says Adam Kimelman. [NHL.com]

Yet one of the blockbuster moves of the night happened well before the draft started, when the Boston Bruins traded 22-year-old defenseman and consensus Rainicorn Dougie Hamilton to the Calgary Flames for picks. Was it worth it? (Warning: NSFW.) [Stanley Cup of Chowder]

Young defensemen were the coin of the realm, as the New York Islanders let go of Griffin Reinhart to the Edmonton Oilers for the 16th and 33rd picks, the first of which became Mathew Barzal. [NBC Sports]

The Philadelphia Flyers got the 24th pick by trading with the Maple Leafs for the 29th and 61st. They promptly turned that selection into Travis Konecny, whose nickname may sound familiar.

The Buffalo Sabres traded a precious 21st overall pick to the Ottawa Senators in a deal for goalie Robin Lehner. Can he join Jack Eichel in becoming a franchise player? [ESPN]

The Sabres stayed in “Let’s Make a Deal” mode with the Colorado Avalanche, trading Mikhail Grigorenko, Nikita Zadorov, J.T. Compher and a second-round pick for Ryan O’Reilly and Jamie McGinn. [TSN]

Finally: First overall was no surprise at all, unless you count the trolling game of one of Connor McDavid’s future teammates.

Talking Points