Mired in a four-game losing streak, the Dallas Stars made some fairly significant changes to their roster Wednesday afternoon.

Dallas recalled defenseman Jamie Oleksiak and forward Antoine Roussel from the Texas Stars and sent Reilly Smith to the AHL.

The Smith move was first reported by Hundred Degree Hockey, and the promotions were confirmed by Mark Stepneski of the Stars.

The Dallas Stars have recalled Jamie Oleksiak & Antoine Roussel from AHL. Reilly Smith sent back to AHL. — Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) January 30, 2013

Oleksiak, a 6-foot-7, 254 pound defenseman, was the Stars first-round pick, 14th overall, in the 2011 entry draft. He recently represented Texas in the AHL All-Star game and has 3 goals and 20 assists with a +12 rating in 43 AHL games this season.

Smith has played in six games for the Stars this season after making his NHL debut late last year. He's created several solid scoring chances but been unable to cash in, posting three shots, two penalty minutes and a -1 rating. He was recently a healthy scratch for the Stars loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

His adjustment to AHL hockey has been much smoother. In 37 games in Austin, Reilly Smith scored 11 goals with 14 assists, good for second on the team in points behind Matt Fraser, and he is still tied for third on the team in goals.

Antoine Roussel spent a portion of training camp with Dallas after being signed as an undrafted free agent this summer. He is seventh on the Texas Stars with 19 points.

The moves leave the Stars with eight defensemen and 14 forwards on the roster with center Derek Roy still on injured reserve. The Stars next game is Friday against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Update

Mike Heika caught up with general manager Joe Nieuwendyk about the moves. The Stars general manager said Oleksiak is expected to make his NHL debut Friday and will join the team on the ensuing three-game road trip.

"We’ll see what he can do, and then we’ll assess from there," Nieuwendyk said.

For the full remarks, check out Heika's story.

Official release is below...