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Dallas Stars Daily Links: The Players, The Prospects And The Preseason

The Dallas Stars are a cast of dozens, all trying to tell their story, writes Mike Heika. Plus, Dustin Byfuglien’s leave of absence, Taylor Hall ready to return, and more.

The Dallas Stars are living the same story as every other NHL team right now – collecting data, evaluating players, making the roster decisions that will set the tone for the 2019-20 season.

But it’s the human angle that makes each story different, and the players’ stories are spilling into the main narrative on a nightly basis. Stars senior staff writer takes a look at the players who are making a case for themselves, including Texas Stars stalwart Justin Dowling – who gave the Stars the OT win in Minnesota on Tuesday:

Here’s Montgomery last season on what he likes about Dowling: “He has elite hockey sense. He has as good of hockey sense as any top-six player we have in our lineup. I mean, that’s why he’s able, and we put him in a position where we think we can use him and he can help the team win.”...

And while the focus has been on all of the kids trying to make the opening night roster, Dowling came out Tuesday and just played his game. He was smart, he was relentless, he was skilled when the opportunity presented itself.

And there’s a lesson to be learned from uncertainty as the players prepare for the next plot twist:

Dallas last season had a new coaching staff, was beset by injuries, used 14 different defensemen, and came a half puck’s width away from going to the Western Conference Final. Even HBO would be impressed with that amount of plot twists.

As we talk to Dowling or Colton Point or Ty Dellandrea or Stefan Noesen or pretty much any of the players who are fighting for their professional lives here, the overriding theme is staying in the moment. Work hard, be prepared, don’t get ahead of yourself. It’s good advice. If you focus on the task at hand, it can often lead to some pretty incredible results.

There’s more at Mike’s place. [Dallas Stars]

Stars Stuff

Landon Bow is the latest subject for Sean Shapiro’s goalie series, and how’s this for a teaser?

Sean also posted the only Stephen Johns update you’re going to get.

The Stars have announced a new partnership in China as hockey continues to grow interest in the People’s Republic.

And there’s a familiar name among NHL Fantasy’s top centers.

Around The League(s)

What’s the story behind Dustin Byfuglien’s leave of absence?

Meanwhile, the Julius Honka trade market factors into Lyle Richardson’s new rumor roundup.

He’s not the only Finnish RFA who’s still at home this preseason. The Winnipeg Jets and the Colorado Avalanche are still trying to make deals with Patrik Laine and Mikko Rantanen.

The Buffalo Sabres want to return to the Stanley Cup playoffs, and Jack Eichel is determined to get them there.

Elsewhere, Taylor Hall may be on the verge of returning to action with the New Jersey Devils.

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