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Dallas Stars Draft Liam Hawel In Round 4, Jacob Peterson In Round 5

By Allison Scott

June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty-one first round selections in the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty-one first round selections in the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Stars had one pick each in the fourth and fifth rounds of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Their choices reflect the needs of the franchise moving forward.

Draft day is always interesting in the NHL. The Dallas Stars had two first round picks this year, selecting a talented defender in Miro Heiskanen and goalie Jake Oettinger after a trade yesterday. This morning, they chose two players in the fourth and fifth rounds respectively.

Round 4, 101 Overall: Center Liam Hawel

With the 101st overall pick, the Stars chose 6’5 center Liam Hawel. Although he has the height, Hawel will need to put on some weight before making his NHL debut being that he weighs in at only 179 pounds.

Last season, Hawel split time in the OHL playing 38 games for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and 28 for the Guelph Storm. He totaled 28 points – 9G, 19A – in his 66 game season. His offensive upswing is something the Stars could use in the future and his size definitely helps make him a quality prospect moving forward.

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The real question for Hawel is whether or not he will be able to bulk up to NHL size and develop into a true NHL forward. That, of course, will depend upon his growth and improvement in the next few years.

Round 5, 132 Overall: Center Jacob Peterson

With their fifth round pick the Stars chose another center in Jacob Peterson. The Swedish center played for a few teams in Frolunda last year, appearing in 54 games between three teams. He totaled 47 points – 28G, 19A – on the year.

Next season he’ll be suiting up for Frolunda HC J20 of the SuperElit league and will hopefully develop even more. His 6’0, 165 pound frame leaves room for improvement, but over the course of the next few years he can be expected to grow.

At just 17 years old, Peterson has years before he’ll make his NHL debut. His youth, however, means he has time to improve and really make an impact when he does enter the league later on.

Next: Dallas Stars Miro Heiskanen's Expected Impact

Moving Forward

Dallas’ draft has been hectic with trades to acquire picks and then another trade to move up and draft the prospected best goaltender available this year. While it’s been a crazy ride so far, more is to come.

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