The Dallas Stars reduced their training camp roster by making their first round of significant cuts. The reduction of 12 players brings the Stars’ roster size to 46 as the team heads into their last four preseason games. None of the moves made today were particularly surprising, as none of these players had been really mentioned as likely to make the team.
Wingers Tony Calderone and Josh Melnick, defensemen John Nyberg and Ondrej Vala, and goaltender Colton Point were loaned to the AHL Texas Stars. Those players that signed AHL contracts and were in camp on a try-out basis were released today and will be bound for Texas Stars training camp, including wingers Diego Cuglietta, Parker MacKay, Brad McClure, and Anthony Nellis, defensemen Tanner Jago, and goaltender Tomas Sholl.
Corey Elkins was released from his PTO.
Dallas has to make another 23 cuts to get down to the max roster size of 23. The players still vying for a potential chance at a roster spot include:
FORWARDS
Nicholas Caamano
Ty Dellandrea
Curtis Douglas
Tye Felhaber
Rhett Gardner
Denis Gurianov
Tanner Kero
Joel Kiviranta
Joel L’Esperance
Adam Mascherin
Michael Mersch
Stefan Noesen
Jason Robertson
Riley Tufte
Scottie Upshall
Of these players, and based on my observation of Traverse City, training camp, and preseason action so far, Gurianov, Kiviranta, and Noesen are the ones I’d keep an eye on, with Upshall as an ideal 13/14 forward if none of the younger guys look ready for a consistent role this season.
DEFENSE
Gavin Bayreuther
Joseph Cecconi
Emil Djuse
Ben Gleason
Joel Hanley
Thomas Harley
Dillon Heatherington
Of these players, Harley and Djuse have stood out to me. However, based on the current depth chart at the NHL level, I don’t see a blueline spot for a new player unless someone forces Dallas’ hand or injuries occur to start the season.
GOALTENDERS
Jake Oettinger
I’d expect Oettinger to push to possibly split time in Texas as a 1A/1B tandem based on his Traverse City and preseason showing. However, with the four preseason games still left, I’d imagine he sticks around a little longer yet at the NHL level.