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Dallas Stars Daily Links: The Stars Can’t Wait to See Roope Hintz In Texas

Posted on by Kathleen Tibbetts

Roope Hintz has had a busy summer, and it’s only getting busier. After impressing observers at the Dallas Stars Prospect Development Camp in July, the 2015 second-round pick is already playing preseason games in Finland’s top league with HIFK.

Just being at the Sports Club Comrades’ training camp was a big step forward from last summer, when a back injury kept Hintz off the ice for five months, until late October. At least he got to make up for lost time:

Despite missing the extended time, Hintz put together a strong 2015-16 season. He helped HIFK advance to the league championship series and was a key member of the Finnish team that won a gold medal at the 2016 World Junior Championship.

When he came back, “It didn’t look like he missed a game,” said Stars scout Rickard Oquist. “He was really good, and he was really good all the way through the season. … “We are really excited about him … When he gets the puck in the neutral zone and comes with speed, he is tough to stop.”

The Stars will be watching very closely as Hintz begins his season in Helsinki, and assistant GM Les Jackson is already looking forward to seeing him back in the Lone Star(s) State:

“He has a really good foundation in his game. It will be interesting to see how he goes this year and where he gets to,” Jackson said. “He is not far from going to the American League. This kid has a really good upside.”

Read more about Roope and get the latest on Riley Tufte, Joseph Cecconi and Markus Ruusu in the Stars’ latest prospect update. [Dallas Stars]

If you or someone you know would like to sign up for the Stars Metro Hockey League, you have the rest of today to get it done.

You saw those sweet Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin World Cup of Hockey jerseys in Melissa’s last Links post – and there are more on the way.

By the way, this year’s WCH will feature both puck and player tracking. Will it blaze a trail for NHL use?

In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for, and for Bruins fans, it’s the fact that their team doesn’t have to spend all season playing in the Central. Here’s a preview of Boston’s chances against the “den of dragons” that is the #MurderDeathKill Division.

Ralph Strangis is stretching his acting muscles: Chris Vognar of The Dallas Morning News has posted a great update on the former Stars broadcaster and his latest project. [DMN]

Concerns about safety testing (and, possibly, about preserving professional advantages) have allowed “a small cadre” of NHL goaltenders to delay the adoption of new, smaller-profile equipment.

An NHL Network panel says Drew Doughty is the league’s top defenseman, but where does John Klingberg rank? Awww, go on, guess. [NHL]

Also at NHL.com: Dan Rosen lists the top 10 candidates for the Colorado Avalanche’s head coaching job. [NHL]

At 5’4”, center Nathan Gerbe is the shortest player in the NHL, and it’s not especially close. The Players’ Tribune brings you his story, and yet another in their seemingly endless run of exceptional articles.

Jimmy Vesey has talked to seven different teams, and now the Hobey Baker Award winner has to get down to the business of choosing one. [ESPN]

Finally: Mark your calendar – the league is doing #NHLMovieNight again this year, and they’ve picked a doozy. Get ready for a “Miracle” on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016.

Talking Points