The Dallas Stars have recalled reigning AHL rookie of the year Curtis McKenzie from Austin after last night’s 4-1 loss to the Nashville Predators.
The 23 year old winger had 65 points in his 75 game debut AHL season. He had an excellent training camp, but just missed out on the roster. In the Texas Stars first game of the season McKenzie carried that form on by notching a goal and an assist.
McKenzie is a big power forward who isn’t afraid to shoot the puck. Craig Ludwig made the point early in this portion of the season that the Stars look like a team unwilling to shoot the puck at times. The power play, while full of talent, has been stagnant at times for the same reason. Presumably the addition of McKenzie is a response to that issue.
The Stars roster was only at 22 players so no corresponding roster move was required. It is as of yet unknown who McKenzie would be replacing in the lineup should he get in a game.