When it comes to the Dallas Stars recent draft history, two things stick out. Character, and lack of development.

Last years draft saw Dallas select Ty Dellandrea with the 13th pick overall. Ty is the epitome of character and it showed. Dellandrea racked up 63 points for the Flint Firebirds before playing 11 games for the AHL affiliate in Cedar Springs.

Now to address the negative. It’s no secret that the lack of draft development has hindered the Stars. Miro Heiskanen is one of, if not the only, draft pick to have lived up to expectations. Here’s to hoping this draft breaks the trend.

Two names stick out as viable options to take the stage at pick 18. Jakob Pelletier is a Matts Zuccarello type winger. Pelletier doesn’t let his small stature (5’9 161 lbs) keep him from making a difference on the ice. Assessing 89 points for the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats 39 goals and 50 assists. If selected, Pelletier could be a perfect fit to learn from Zucc, assuming the Stars are able to re-sign him to an extension. Regardless, JP could be your key to a high powered line in a few seasons.

Miro Heiskenan was the lone All-Star in his rookie campaign, so it would be no surprise to see the Stars take another offensive-minded D-Man this year. Cam York is another name you can expect to be called at 18. I say this more-so now than before as I am currently picking this article back up after a day break. Something about this kid intrigues me. He’s another undersized player but I believe has a huge upside. Teams across the NHL are starting to adopt more and more the offensive-minded d-man. Given the right grooming, Cam York can become a solid 2nd line blueliner with the ability to compliment Heiskanen brilliantly.

I say all this without knowing for sure what the Dallas Stars will do. I am hoping that Heiskanen was the beginning of an upward trend for the Stars molding a fresh young lineup that will cause mayhem and light up the lamp for years to come.

I am a retired softball legend and an unrestricted beer league hockey free agent. I swing sticks for fun on the ice and links and am constantly feeding my YouTube addiction. I am forever grateful to the state of Minnesota for their hockey team in 1994 and more grateful for the Dallas Stars Stanley Cup in 1999.