Hockey season is finally back. Kind of.
The Traverse City Prospects Tournament starts today, and the Dallas Stars have quite the team assemble in Michigan. There is a nice mix of young, newer prospects — such as 2019 first round pick Thomas Harley — and some more “veteran” prospects, such as Jason Robertson:
Since arriving in Dallas last week, Robertson has stood out in scrimmages with the players already in Frisco. He has a knack for putting the puck in the net and is frequently one of the players with the most chances in game situations. He should be one of the Stars’ best players in this tournament.
For some players (like Robertson), this tournament will be the first step of many in their attempt to make the NHL roster. Others, like goalies Colton Point and Jake Oettinger, have a practically non-zero chance of making the squad, but could still benefit from a strong start to the season:
[Point’s] play in Traverse City [last year] actually was a precursor to his rough season; in three games Point allowed 12 goals and looked a bit flustered by the speed. This fall, the tournament represents a chance for a better start off the blocks before trying to win a spot on the AHL roster.
You can read a breakdown of all of the Stars’ prospects at the tournament from Sean Shapiro here.
Stars Stories
Mike Heika provides his own insight into the Stars’ top prospects, plus some insight into how the coaches view the tournament:
Coaches are hoping it’s the springboard into @NHL training camp.
Here’s how to keep up, and who to watch, as the 2019 NHL Prospect Tournament kicks off today at 2:00 p.m. CT vs. Minnesota. #GoStarshttps://t.co/LtLDDzzfdu
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) September 6, 2019
After Traverse City is Training Camp. Could Stefan Noesen turn his PTO into an NHL contract?
Stefan Noesen spent the last two season in New Jersey. Now, he may be poised to author a unique homecoming story. @seanshapiro has that and more in the latest Shap Shots:https://t.co/6jA5bbBXpB
— The Athletic (@TheAthleticDFW) September 4, 2019
Is it selfish to wish that Heiskanen achieves his goal after signing a team friendly 8-year extension next summer?
“I want to be the best defenseman in the world.”
Follow Miro Heiskanen back home in Sophomore Summer. #GoStars | @Kia pic.twitter.com/OUyRt7nbRs
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) September 4, 2019
Around the League
Here’s an insightful look at hockey in a rather unlikely location:
Outlaws.
That’s the best way to describe Philip Painter and the Puerto Rican hockey team. Sneaking into arenas just to play a disorganized version of their favorite sport, only to have it all taken away by outside factors.
Now, Puerto Rico is ready.https://t.co/Jk0j44sCc7
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) September 6, 2019
This is, umm, not ideal:
EXCLUSIVE: NHL drops Player and Puck Tracking tech partner Jogmo due to ‘organizational and financial challenges,’ says tracking still on target for Stanley Cup Playoffs rollout. Details, including comments from Gary Bettman via @emilymkaplan, here: https://t.co/KXWPZfnsFd
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) September 5, 2019
Jim Montgomery misses the cut-off for Down Goes Brown’s list of NHL “cold seat” candidates:
New post: Are then ten coaches and GMs in the NHL who absolutely positively 100% aren’t getting fired this year? Probably not, but that didn’t stop me from trying to come up with a list. https://t.co/yZders781d pic.twitter.com/iRuu2DJ40C
— Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) September 5, 2019
Finally, Pierre McGuire will still be broadcasting for NBC Sports, but he won’t be on the top team:
Per impeccable source, Pierre McGuire has been removed from NBC Sports’ No. 1 hockey team, to be replaced by Brian Boucher.
— Rick Carpiniello (@RickCarpiniello) September 4, 2019