One of the Dallas Stars defensive prospects who has largely fallen out of the thoughts of many Dallas Stars fans faces a big year in the OHL.
Alex Peters, who captained the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL last season, was drafted with some very positive reviews and plenty of talent.
Since the 2014 NHL Draft he has mostly been forgotten, not because of poor play but because of a lack of play.
He started last season very positively, with four points in eight games. In that eighth game he suffered a knee injury which put him out for the rest of the season.
His four points in eight games is put into perspective when you look at his previous numbers from the OHL. His career high in the OHL was 12 points in 58 games.
If he had continued on the pace that he was on he would have most likely topped that. It was a sign that a player who was drafted as a big defensive player at 6-foot-three, 205lbs was about to take the next step in his development.
Instead an injury knee ended his season and what looked like could be a breakout year was over.
With the 2015-2016 season just over the horizon what should be expected from Peters?
In an ideal world he would continue where he started off last season, posting up a very healthy points total whilst continuing to improve his defensive game.
In a not so ideal world his injury could have knocked him so far off his development and his game that the Dallas Stars decided against signing him to an entry level contract.
Obviously it would be best for him to have the breakout season he lost last year. He’s coming back to the Plymouth Whalers, now the Flint Firebirds, and he’s hoping to captain them to the post season.
The motivation of knowing the Stars have until next summer to decide to sign him and to lead the Firebirds will hopefully push him towards that breakout year.
Peters will know he needs to have a big year and will need to show his potential for the future to the Dallas Stars. His potential future in victory green depends upon it.
With only a few short months until the OHL drops the puck Peters is one prospect to keep an eye on. He needs to have a big year.