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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Is Denis Gurianov Ready For Big D?

The big winger could follow Cedar Park partner Roope Hintz to the big team. Plus, Rask leads the Conn Smythe race, Jack Hughes’ Worlds experience, and more.

The Dallas Stars’ pressing need for top-six forward assistance grew a little less urgent when Roope Hintz broke through this spring. Now that they’ve been rewarded for trusting the youth, will the team make that commitment to Denis Gurianov as well?

The Dallas Morning News’ Matthew DeFranks examines the case for Gurianov in Big D in his latest post:

Gurianov’s speed is the best part of his game and is potentially the best among Stars players (let’s propose a race between Gurianov, Roope Hintz and Miro Heiskanen during training camp) with explosive strides that allow him to rush through the neutral zone and take defensemen wide to the net. It’s part of the reason why he scored 20 goals and dished 28 assists in 57 AHL games this season, and it’s what he flashed during his time in the NHL.

Gury’s chemistry with his fellow T-Star has made them a sort of Tyler Seguin - Jamie Benn Lite for Cedar Park fans. The benefits of reuniting the duo in Dallas seem obvious:

“Roope Hintz is a great example for him,” Stars general manager Jim Nill said. “They played together and they’ve really been on the same path. Both have gone through the same struggles trying to make it to the NHL. They both have come up and grabbed it for a while and disappeared into games.”...

”We’ve watched them down in the minors, both of those guys have played the same way,” Nill said. “They both bring speed to our team, they’re both big bodies. We’re excited about his development. It’s a great example for Denis to see Roope. We brought him up here to watch all the playoff games. He watched these games and he watched Roope, and he said ‘Oh boy, that’s where I got to get to.’ And it is. Just part of the process.”

There’s more at the DMN. [DFWSportsDay]

Stars Stuff

Training camp in Frisco, folks. Training camp in Frisco. Tailgate time?

Around The League(s)

Tuukka Rask has been all but invincible this postseason, and there’s a good chance he’ll take home a Conn Smythe Trophy as well as the Stanley Cup.

The St. Louis Blues are still very much in Stanley Cup contention – but they need to get a grip on their penalty-prone ways, writes Louie Korac. [NHL]

The Edmonton Oilers always seem to be in rebuild mode. Jared Clinton takes a look at what a real overhaul might look like.

Soooo, don’t get married to the idea of William Nylander leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs just yet?

Here’s a good look at what U.S. ultra-prospect Jack Hughes did instead of the NHL Combine – and, more importantly, what it did for him.

Whiteboard Willie is returning to a former head coaching job, with a promotion on top.

Finally

Laura Branigan’s former manager will help you get your “Gloria” love back. Enjoy.

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