The latest in a series on some of the top prospects of the Dallas Stars looks at forward

The 20-year-old Dickinson is coming off his first full professional season, registering 53 points (22 goals, 31 assists) and a plus-ten rating in 73 games with the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League. Among AHL rookies, he tied for fifth in goal scoring and tied for seventh in points.

“Dickinson had a really strong first season,” said Dallas Stars assistant GM Les Jackson. “His game evolved when we ran into injuries in Texas, and he was a guy that stepped up and took responsibility in a lot of different ways. You could really see that his game evolved.”

In February, with Texas missing key players like Travis Morin, Justin Dowling and Greg Rallo, Dickinson moved up the lineup and went on an impressive run, recording 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in eleven games.

“It’s gone pretty well for me,” Dickinson said in April. “I got a good stretch there of getting a lot more responsibility. We had a lot of injuries at center, and it was a chance for me to step up, and I was fortunate enough to take that opportunity and do well with it. It is helping my career.”

Dickinson made his NHL debut this season as well. He played in one game and made the most of the opportunity, scoring his first NHL goal on his first shot in a key win over Colorado as the Stars were battling to win the Central Division and top seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

“It’s an amazing feeling that they believe in me,” Dickinson said. “To be able to come in here in my first game, they trusted me and it humbled me that they were willing to give me a chance this late in the season in an important stretch.”

The Stars selected Dickinson from the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League with the 29th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, a draft pick they acquired from Boston when they shipped Jaromir Jagr to the Bruins at the trade deadline that year.

Dickinson turned pro this past season after playing four seasons with Guelph, tallying 231 points (84 goals, 147 points) in 253 games. Dickinson registered 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 20 games as Guelph won the 2014 OHL championship and then tallied five points (two goals, three assists) in four games as the Storm advanced to the championship game at the Memorial Cup.

Dickinson, who is listed at 6-2, 200 pounds, is a versatile player who plays well at both ends of the ice.

“Very good two-way player. He’s an elite skater. He’s got a physical edge to him, and he’s got a very strong puck game,” Jackson said. “There is a lot in his game, and he can play center or either wing. He participates in every part of the game. There isn’t any part of the game where he doesn’t show he has something to give. “

And with a solid AHL season under his belt, Dickinson is in a good position to push for more NHL playing time moving forward.

“He’s a solid player. He’s a great kid. He’s smart, and he understands what he needs to learn as a player,” Jackson said. “He clearly was a bright spot a lot of nights with Texas. He’s got a good foundation, and it’s just a matter of gathering more experience. He’s a going to push at the next level before too long.”

Jason Dickinson 2015-16 Statistics

Team League GP Goals Assists Points +/- PIM Texas Stars AHL 73 22 31 53 +10 32 Texas Stars AHL (Playoffs) 4 0 1 1 -3 2 Dallas Stars NHL 1 1 0 1 +1 0

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club. Mark Stepneski is an independent writer whose posts on DallasStars.com reflect his own opinions and do not represent official statements from the Dallas Stars. You can follow Mark on Twitter

.