In a move that's surprising to almost no one, the Dallas Stars announced they have sent forward Brett Ritchie back to the Texas Stars of the AHL.

Ritchie hasn't played since the March 24 loss to the Arizona Coyotes while dealing with a lower-body injury, and he's only played eight games with the NHL club this year after missing the first half of the season recovering from off-season wrist surgery. He had one assist and 15 shots on goal in those eight games.

But more than limited playing time, the crowded forward roster is probably a better explanation for Ritchie's demotion. With Tyler Seguin finally playing again (though clearly still working his way back from the Achilles injury) and no one in the forward lineup playing particularly poorly, there is simply a shortage of roster spots. The Texas Stars will be starting their own playoff run too, so there's no real use in holding players in Dallas who aren't playing.

Here is the official release from the Texas Stars: