Four highlights from this year’s Dallas Stars training camp

I can’t believe I’m even typing this; The Dallas Stars regular season starts on Thursday. I’m so excited after watching the Dallas Cowboys beat the Pittsburgh Steelers that I wanted to write an article celebrating the win. The Dallas Stars had an excellent training camp, finishing 5-0-1 in the preseason. You can thank Jim Nill for his incredible work in making this team successful long after he left the franchise.

As I mentioned, the Stars had some star-studded performances during the preseason. Logan Stankoven showed why he is in the Calder Trophy race this season, scoring a pair of goals in the final two games of pre-season. Lian Bichsel will likely rise in the spring after working on a few things in Cedar Park. Arttu Hyry could be one of the next members of the Finnish mafia next season. Here are four outstanding training camp performances.

Dallas Stars Training Camp Appearances: 4. Arttu Hyry

I don’t know if Hyry was as much of a Jere Lehtinen suggestion as Joel Kiviranta, but Hyry had a training camp to remember. The only reason he is going to Cedar Park is because the coaching staff selected Oskar Back as the 13th forward for the season. Hyry was in the running for the final selection spot, but Back simply performed better. I wouldn’t be surprised if Hyry is sent to Dallas if there is an injury this season. All I know is that the Texas Stars Star Wars Night will be a hit if he scores a goal.

Dallas Stars training camp appearances: 3. Lian Bichsel

I don’t know why people are surprised he was sent to Cedar Park. He played well during the preseason, but because Nill signed too many defensemen, there isn’t enough room for him on the roster. I’m sure we’ll see young Bichsel later in the spring. He just needs to work on a few small things before he can start the season. Bichsel is super close to becoming a full-time NHL defenseman. For now, let him develop with Neil Graham and the Texas Stars.

Dallas Stars training camp appearances: 2. Kole Lind

I’m surprised Kole Lind was sent to the AHL after his preseason performance. Lind made his presence felt on the ice, working his butt off every shift he had. If there is an injury on the fourth line, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is called up for a few games this season. Nill enjoys finding these AHL gems, and Lind has shown himself to be one of those gems Nill found in free agency.

Dallas Stars training camp appearances: 1. Logan Stankoven

I can’t wait to see how Stankoven competes and shows his full potential in his rookie season. The goals he has scored in the last two pre-season games show that he is worthy of winning the Calder Trophy this season. Even though Stankoven’s height can be a challenge at times, he is one of the hardest-working players on the Stars’ roster.

I see a real competitor in him and, shockingly, the Stars nabbed him in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft. The Stars were able to get two first-round prospects for the price of one. He will be a player to watch this season.

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