Rising Stars: Top Prospects Poised to Shape the Future of the Dallas Stars

Stars’ Pipeline poised to Bolster Roster with Emerging Talent

FRISCO, TX – The dallas Stars are banking on a wave of promising prospects to inject fresh energy and skill into their lineup in the coming seasons. Recent evaluations highlight three players – a dynamic draft pick, a developing OHL standout, and a standout AHL rookie – who are rapidly approaching NHL readiness.

Eighteen-year-old forward, Ryder Schmidt, selected 94th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, is already generating significant buzz. Despite a modest 5’7″ frame and 161-pound build, Schmidt’s electrifying play has drawn comparisons to former Stars forward Logan Stankoven. In 61 games with Vancouver in the WHL last season, Schmidt tallied an impressive 40 goals and 78 points. Stars’ Director of Player Advancement, Brent Peverley, lauded schmidt as a “high-octane player” possessing exceptional skating ability, hands, and a competitive edge. While acknowledging the size concerns that led to his draft position, Peverley believes Schmidt possesses first-round talent and expects continued development in the CHL.meanwhile, 20-year-old defenseman Ben Bertucci, a third-round pick (61st overall) in 2023, is transitioning to the professional ranks. after a productive season with the Barrie Colts in the OHL (52 games, 7 goals, 30 assists, 37 points), the 6’2″, 185-pound Bertucci will begin his AHL career this season.Peverley emphasized the need for Bertucci to add strength and thickness,but highlighted his strong skating ability and hockey sense,drawing parallels to current Stars defenseman Thomas Harley.

Perhaps the closest to immediate impact is 24-year-old center, Jack Smith. Signed as a free agent in March 2024 after a accomplished collegiate career at Northeastern University, Smith quickly established himself as a force in the AHL with the Texas Stars. He earned the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL’s most outstanding rookie and was named to the league’s all-rookie team, registering 22 goals and 60 points in 67 games. Smith also saw limited NHL action with the Stars (5 games, 1 assist). Peverley praised Smith’s two-way play, face-off prowess, and hockey IQ, noting his versatility and potential to contribute on special teams. He is projected to be in the NHL roster this season.

Evergreen Insights: The Stars’ Development Beliefs

The Stars’ success in identifying and developing talent beyond the first round is a hallmark of their organizational strategy. This approach, prioritizing skill, hockey sense, and work ethic over sheer size, has yielded significant returns in recent years. The organization’s commitment to player development, exemplified by Peverley’s detailed assessments, is crucial for sustained success in a league increasingly reliant on depth and homegrown talent.The emphasis on AHL experiance, as seen with Bertucci and Smith, provides a critical bridge for prospects transitioning to the demands of professional hockey. The ability to identify and cultivate players who can contribute in multiple roles, like Smith’s versatility as a center and winger, further enhances the team’s flexibility and competitiveness. As these prospects continue to progress, they represent a significant investment in the Stars’ future and a potential catalyst for continued success.

How does the Stars’ commitment to patience in prospect progress, as exemplified by Jason Robertson, influence their drafting strategy?

The Next Generation of stars Talent

The Dallas Stars have a rich history, echoing the drama and success of iconic shows like Dallas (1978) – a cultural phenomenon that captivated audiences worldwide. Now, a new generation of talent is emerging, promising to write their own chapters in the franchise’s legacy. This article dives deep into the top prospects within the Stars organization, analyzing their potential impact on the team’s future success. We’ll cover everything from draft picks making waves to developing players ready for NHL action, focusing on key attributes and projected timelines.

Key Prospects to Watch in 2025-2026

Several prospects are generating significant buzz within the Stars’ system. Here’s a breakdown of the players most likely to contribute at the NHL level in the near future:

Logan Stankoven (Center/Wing): Already showing flashes of brilliance, Stankoven is a dynamic offensive player with exceptional puck-handling skills. His ability to create scoring chances makes him a prime candidate for a top-six role. He’s currently honing his defensive game in the AHL, but his offensive upside is undeniable.

Mavrik Bourque (Center/Wing): Bourque’s versatility is a major asset. He can play both center and wing effectively, offering valuable adaptability to the coaching staff. His strong skating and hockey IQ make him a promising two-way forward.

Wyatt Johnston (Center): johnston has already established himself as a key player for the Stars, demonstrating a remarkable ability to transition from junior hockey to the NHL. His continued development will be crucial for the team’s long-term success.

ben Gruden (Right Wing): Gruden brings a blend of speed and skill to the table.While still developing his consistency, his offensive instincts are remarkable, and he’s a player to watch in the AHL.

Jack Smith (Defenseman): A mobile defenseman with a strong offensive skillset, Smith is progressing well in the AHL. His ability to contribute in all three zones makes him a valuable prospect.

Analyzing Development Pathways: AHL Impact

The Texas Stars (AHL) serve as the primary development hub for Dallas’s prospects. Monitoring their performance in the AHL provides valuable insights into their readiness for the NHL.

Here’s what to look for when evaluating these players:

1. Point Production: Consistent scoring is a key indicator of offensive progress.
2. Defensive Responsibility: assessing their ability to play a responsible defensive game,including shot blocking and penalty killing.
3. Physicality & Strength: Evaluating their ability to handle the physical demands of the professional game.
4. Consistency: Identifying players who can consistently perform at a high level, not just in flashes.
5. Special Teams Performance: Observing their contributions on the power play and penalty kill.

Position-Specific Breakdown: Future Stars at Each Position

Let’s examine the prospect pipeline by position, highlighting the strengths and potential of each group.

Forward Prospects

the Stars’ forward pipeline is particularly strong, boasting a mix of skilled playmakers and tenacious forecheckers. Stankoven and Bourque lead the charge, but players like Gruden and others are pushing for opportunities.The emphasis is on developing players who can contribute offensively while maintaining a commitment to defensive responsibility – a hallmark of Stars hockey.

Defensive Prospects

While not as deep as the forward group, the Stars have several promising defensive prospects. Smith represents the new wave of mobile, offensive-minded defensemen. Developing players who can effectively move the puck and contribute to the transition game is a priority.

Goaltending Prospects

Goaltending is always a critical position, and the Stars are actively developing their future netminders. While no clear-cut franchise goalie is on the immediate horizon, the organization is focused on identifying and nurturing talent at all levels.

The Impact of Drafting and development Strategies

The Dallas Stars’ success in identifying and developing talent is a testament to their scouting and development staff. Their approach focuses on:

Skill and Hockey IQ: Prioritizing players with high skill levels and a strong understanding of the game.

Character and Work Ethic: Seeking players with strong character and a willingness to work hard.

Patience and Long-Term Vision: Allowing prospects to develop at their own pace, without rushing their progress.

* Modern Development Techniques: Utilizing advanced analytics and training methods to optimize player development.

Real-World Example: Jason Robertson’s Rise

Jason Robertson’s journey from a second-round draft pick to a star player for the Dallas Stars serves as an inspiring example of the organization’s development system in action. Robertson’s patience, dedication, and skill development in the AHL ultimately translated into NHL success, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Stars’ approach. He is a prime example of how the Stars can cultivate talent and turn it into NHL impact.

Benefits of a Strong Prospect Pool

A robust prospect pool offers several key benefits for the Dallas Stars: