Dallas Stars Draft: Revisiting Stellar 2013 Draft Class

The Dallas Stars are less than two weeks away from another NHL Entry Draft. This year’s draft class is regarded as one of the most stocked classes in years. The draft begins on June 26th and lasts until the 27th in Sunrise, Florida.

The Stars will definitely have quite the choice on their hands when their first pick rolls around at 12th overall. With an arsenal of youth in their farm system already, they will need to find a happy medium at twelfth, whether it be a defenseman or a forward. Most expect Dallas to go for a defender, but anything is possible. A goalie is highly unlikely, yet you can’t rule anything out.

The Dallas Stars will have six picks in this year’s seven round draft. They will pick one time in each round, except in the third round, where their pick is owned by the Detroit Red Wings that was exchanged in the Erik Cole trade.

With six picks, there is an unbelievable number of combinations the Stars could end up drafting between goalies, defense, and offense.

Wouldn’t it be great if the Dallas Stars could make a few steals like they did in the fantastic 2013 draft class? Let’s take a look back at Jim Nill’s fantastic first draft as GM:

1st round, 10th overall: Valeri Nichushkin

It’s no secret that the Stars might have snagged the “steal” of the 2013 first round with Valeri Nichushkin going tenth overall. The 18-year old broke out in his rookie season for the Stars, performing in 79 total NHL games. Though most weren’t expecting him to show up in the NHL for at least a year, Nichushkin proved them all wrong as he scored 14 goals and tallied 34 points, all while collecting a +20 on-ice rating. Nichushkin’s sophomore season hit a slump as he missed the 74 games due to hip surgery, but his track record has proven that next season will be a special one.

1st round, 29th overall: Jason Dickinson

Jason Dickinson is thriving in the Dallas Stars organization because of former GM Joe Nieuwendyk’s handiwork. Nieuwendyk traded away forward Jaromir Jagr to the Boston Bruins in April 2013 in exchange for a few prospects and a first round draft pick. This pick was spent on Dickinson, a small and flexible center. In 13-14, Dickinson tallied 78 points in 68 games in the OHL. In 14-15, he totaled 71 points in 56 games. He also has 32 points in 29 OHL playoff games. Dickinson also played five games with the Texas Stars, tallying three points. He may find a full time roster spot in the AHL come next season, and is on his way to an excellent career.

2nd round, 40th overall: Remi Elie

Remi Elie is a small and powerful left wing with a knack for scoring. In 2013-2014, he tallied 68 points through 67 games with two different games. In 2014-2015, Elie had a powerful 2014-2015, even with another move involved among OHL teams. Elie tallied 76 points in 63 games, and even had a chance to play with Connor McDavid on the Erie Otters. We’ll see where he lands next season, but he has a very good chance at playing for the Texas Stars.

2nd round, 54th overall: Philippe Desrosiers

If steals are still possible in the second round, Philippe Desrosiers was that steal. His draft pick was given to Dallas compliments of the Vancouver Canucks when they traded for Derek Roy. The goaltender has been on a hot streak since being drafted with Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL. In 13-14, Desrosiers posted a 31-14-7 record, with a .907 save percentage and a 2.65 goals against average. His playoff numbers saw a 2.34 goals against average and a .917 save percentage. 2014-2015 was another excellent year for the goaltender, as he posted a 29-9-3 record, along with a 2.50 goals against average and a .901 save percentage. His team competed for the Memorial Cup, and Desrosiers was honored as the CHL Goaltender of the Year. His future is unsure, but he has a good chance of landing the vacant backup spot in the AHL next year.

Next: Philippe Desrosiers Could Make AHL Leap Next Year

3rd round, 68th overall: Niklas Hansson

Niklas Hansson is a bit of a drop off from the talent listed above, but still a valuable defender. Drafted by Dallas using Edmonton’s third round pick, the Stars sent him overseas to play. In 106 games, Hansson has 46 points. His future is still up in the air, but he will likely stay in Sweden for now.

4th round, 101st overall: Nicholas Paul

Nicholas Paul is sadly not a member of the Dallas Stars, but is thriving well in the Ottawa Senators organization. Paul was sent over to the Senators in the trade last July that brought Jason Spezza to the Dallas Stars. It was quite the trade by Jim Nill, but it’s now clear that Paul was a major piece of the deal. In 14-15, Paul tallied 66 points in 58 games in the OHL, and will more than likely be moving to the AHL come next year.

5th round, 131st overall: Cole Ully

Cole Ully, like Jamie Benn, may end up being a 5th round steal. Ully has played 138 games since being drafted in the WHL, and the left wing has tallied 166 points. Ully also played two games with the Texas Stars this past season, and tallied one assist. He may remain in the WHL for next season, but the AHL is also an option.

5th round, 149th overall: Matej Paulovic

Matej Paulovic was drafted by Dallas using a pick they received from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Brenden Morrow. Paulovic has played the majority of his time in the USHL as well as the a little stint in the OHL. In 13-14, Paulovic played 47 games and tallied 30 points. In 14-15, he improved his pace by tallying 50 points in 51 games. Paulovic still has a few more years to go before thinking of pro or semi-pro, but the left wing is certainly on his way up.

7th round, 182 overall: Aleksi Makela

Aleksi Makela came to Dallas from a Florida Panthers pick the Stars acquired when they traded their 2012 seventh round pick away. Makela is a defender playing overseas, still a few years away from intercontinental play. He tallied 14 points in 37 games in 2013-2014. This past season, he grabbed six points in 37 games.

The Dallas Stars 2013 draft class may have been one of their best in a long time. The blossoming members of that class will be helping the Stars excel for years to come. Let’s hope that the 2015 class is something just as special.

Next: Dave Strader Hiring Shows Dallas Stars Are Still Rising

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