The Dallas Stars will kick off their 2017 Development Camp on Friday morning and run through Tuesday in Frisco. Here is what you need to know.
This weekend will be the fourth straight weekend of action for the Dallas Stars.
First it was the expansion draft, followed by the entry draft, and finally the free agency frenzy of last weekend. But this coming weekend, the Stars will not be focused on bringing players in or losing them. This time, the action shifts to the ice.
The Dallas Stars 2017 Development Camp kicks off on Friday, July 7 at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter in Frisco, with on-ice sessions starting on Saturday. The camp will last from July 7-11.
A total of 19 forwards, 11 defensemen, and four goaltenders were invited to this year’s camp for a total of 34 skaters. That’s up four from the 2016 camp.
Dallas Stars
Players ranging from all across the world including draft picks and players simply invited by the Stars organization have been included. This is the prime opportunity for the Dallas Stars coaches and management to get a firsthand look at each of their prospects and make decisions regarding the future of each player.
Here is a complete schedule of the five-day camp, with on-ice sessions being open to the public.
Friday, July 7
Off-ice testing
Saturday, July 8, 10:00 – 11:45 a.m.
On-ice practice
Sunday, July 9, 10:00 – 11:45 a.m.
On-ice practice
Monday, July 10, 10:00 – 11:45 a.m.
On-ice practice
Tuesday, July 11, 10:00 – 11:45 a.m.
On-ice practice
There has not been an updated schedule since June 29, meaning that there is no knowing whether this is the final schedule or if a more detailed one will be released soon. In years past, there has been skills development and even a scrimmage included along with the daily practices.
The complete roster can be found in the tweet from Mark Stepneski below.
Stars release development camp schedule, roster https://t.co/SjARJQFvev pic.twitter.com/Aahom3zjym
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) June 29, 2017
Throughout the five-day session, there will be a few things that you will want to keep an eye on.
First rounders
A couple of Dallas Stars first round picks will be in attendance. Denis Gurianov (2015), Riley Tufte (2016), and the newest Stars’ first rounders Miro Heiskanen and Jake Oettinger are all scheduled to take part in camp. Gurianov is trying to prove his legitimacy as a call-up option for Dallas this year after making his NHL debut in the Stars’ last game of the 2017 season.
Tufte enjoyed success in his freshman year at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and could make another strong impression on Dallas in camp.
Finally, it will be the first time on the ice in Victory Green for Heiskanen and Oettinger, who will be trying to make a strong first impression on both the coaching staff and fans. Watch for them to put on stellar showings.
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Second rounders
Both Roope Hintz (2015) and Jason Robertson (2017) were selected in the second round by the Dallas Stars, but each have proven that they can be considered first-round talents.
Hintz just finished up a fantastic year in the Liiga and is a dynamic center that will more than likely play the 2017-18 season with the Texas Stars in the AHL. His performance at development camp could push his potential even further.
Meanwhile, Robertson was drafted 39th overall by the Stars in the 2017 draft. Had it not been for his skating skills which are said to be lacking, Robertson could be considered a first-round talent, possibly even in the top 10. He’s got natural scoring talent and can put the puck in the net on a regular basis. If he can have a good camp and continue to show improvements in skating, he could be moving up in the Stars’ system quicker than most think.
Gavin Bayreuther
In March of 2017, the Dallas Stars signed undrafted free agent defender Gavin Bayreuther to a two-year entry level contract.
He’s considered one of the top defensemen prospects and had drawn interest from multiple NHL teams, and Dallas ended up as the frontrunner in signing the 22-year-old from St. Lawrence University.
Bayreuther will likely be an AHL starter next season, possibly on the top pairing in Cedar Park. His performance at development camp could determine where he fits into the Texas lineup.
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All in all, there’s a lot to watch at this year’s development camp. The Dallas Stars have a lot to decide and sort through, and that’s why they have these five days to figure things out.
If you get a chance, try and make your way out to Frisco and check it out. The brightest and youngest talent in the organization will be on full display.