The newest member of the Dallas Stars organization is Riley Damiani. He was selected 137th overall in the fifth round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Damiani has played with the Kitchener Rangers since the 2016-2017 season. In the 2017-2018 season, he recorded 19 goals, 18 assists, and 37 points in 64 games. At 5’9” and 163 pounds, Damiani is the smallest of the players drafted so far by the Stars during the 2018 draft.
He was teammates with Adam Mascherin, who was drafted by the Stars in the fourth round.
Damiani’s passion and energy for hockey was evident in his play this season in the OHL. Derek has some further thoughts on his style of play based on that:
Dallas Stars take Riley Damiani at 137.
Some OHL scouts loved him this year. Plays with a lot of heart, works hard, has some speed and skill. A talented Middle 6 forward. Was teammates with fellow new Stars pick Adam Mascherin this season
— Derek Neumeier (@Derek_N_NHL) June 23, 2018
Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers had this to say about Damiani’s potential:
Not only can Damiani score, he can skate and makes smart decisions with the puck. He can also play both special teams units. The NHL has plenty of room for this kind of player even if he stands just 5-foot-10. He’ll also have the motivation to prove the doubters wrong. For my money, he might be one of the best overall values of this draft.
We’ll have more interviews and content in the coming days thanks to our staff at the draft in Dallas.