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Philippe Desrosiers Could Make AHL Leap With Vacant Spot

By Josh Clark

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Philippe Desrosiers became a member of the Dallas Stars organization in 2013 when he was picked 54th overall in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft.

The 19-year old returned to the QMJHL where he was a member of Rimouski Oceanic. Desrosiers began to show his prowess and skill in the crease, and as a result earned the starting job in net. His first season before the draft showed strong signs of potential, as he posted a 22-8-5 record through 43 games, along with a .900 save percentage and a 3.07 goals against average. Desrosiers helped in the short playoff run of 2013, posting a .892 save percentage and a 2.26 goals against average.

After the draft, Desrosiers returned for another season between the pipes with Rimouski. The 2013-2014 season was a bountiful one for Desrosiers. Through 52 games, Desrosiers posted a 31-14-7 record, with a .907 save percentage and a 2.65 goals against average. He helped them to another playoff appearance where he played 11 games, posting a 2.34 goals against average and a .917 save percentage.

With the 2014-2015 season on the horizon, Philippe Desrosiers’ future was a question mark. He was invited to training camp in September with the Stars, but eventually was assigned back to Rimouski for another year.

This past season may have been one of his best. Desrosiers finished the season with a 29-9-3 record, along with a .901 save percentage and a 2.50 goals against average. He pushed his success into the playoffs and the hunt for the Memorial Cup. Through nine games, Desrosiers pulled off a .910 save percentage and a 2.48 goals against average. Rimouski ended up winning the QMJHL playoffs and moving onto the Memorial Cup. They would eventually fall short, but even making it to the Memorial Cup is impressive enough.

In addition to this, Philippe Desrosiers was awarded the CHL Goaltender of the Year. He owned the best goals against average, second best in shutout total, and third best in save percentage throughout the entire QMJHL.

Yesterday, a report came out about Texas Stars goaltender Jussi Rynnas and that he would be signing in the KHL and leaving the AHL. Rynnas had a fantastic first year with the Texas Stars, posting a 22-6-8 record along with a .920 save percentage and a 2.53 goals against average.

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Rynnas signed with the Stars in early July 2014. He started for Texas for the majority of the season, and even played with Dallas in two games. If Rynnas is truly out, he would need to sign a deal with the desired KHL team and then work something out with the Stars that would terminate his contract.

If Rynnas is truly out, that means the Stars only have two assured goalies for their NHL and AHL clubs for next year.

Enter Philippe Desrosiers. He could make the shift and become the Texas Stars’ backup goalie, and possibly even compete for the starting job with Jack Campbell.

This decision would need to come with caution though. First off, moving a goalie from juniors up to the AHL, completely skipping the ECHL, could prove detrimental. Desrosiers is quickly becoming a star goalie, but moving him up too quick could end up setting him back. It all depends on how fast Desrosiers would be able to weather the transition and understand the way the AHL works.

But if Desrosiers is comfortable and maintains his beautiful performance, it would be great to see him in Cedar Park next year. He is signed through the 2017-2018 season. If Desrosiers has a good showing at training camp and feels ready to take on the minor professional world, they might as well let him.

The Stars may want to add on one more minor league name in case Desrosiers doesn’t work out. If they wanted to keep away from adding on another player, they could even do a time split between Desrosiers and current ECHL goalie Henri Kiviaho. If one falters, they always have the other one to help fill in and rebalance. But this can only have a slight chance of happening if Jussi Rynnas is truly leaving and clears the process without any hesitation.

But Desrosiers is an intriguing option for the Stars. Now let’s see what they do with him. On the fun side, Eliteprospects.com already has Desrosiers listed as a Texas Stars member. Maybe they know something we don’t.

Next: Dallas Stars 14-15 Season A Perfect Reason To Be Scared

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