The Dallas Stars announced today that forward Jason Robertson has been sent back to the AHL Texas Stars.
This likely means that Alexander Radulov, who is currently on IR with an upper-body injury after re-aggravating an injury sustained by a collision with teammate Denis Gurianov in a game versus the Carolina Hurricanes, is set to return to the lineup. His return to health would give Dallas 14 forwards, so one would have to be returned to the AHL to make room for him on the roster.
Robertson acquitted himself well in his three games played on his first stint in the NHL. He recorded an assist on Tyler Seguin’s goal that ended a 17-game goal-less streak, a career high for the Stars’ first line center. He also had four shots on goal in the three games in average ice time of 12:19 per game. He also was noticeable for the quick passes and vision he displayed in the offensive zone.
Unfortunately, there are times where the numbers game just doesn’t work in a young player’s favor. Because Robertson is just 20 years old, and in his first year of professional play, if he’s not going to be able to get playing time here, he’ll be better served getting top minutes in the AHL with the Texas Stars. Considering who is healthy now for Dallas, he’d likely be in a rotation for a fourth line spot, so this is the best move for Robertson’s progression developmentally.