Dallas Stars: What To Watch For In September 2017

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 26: Dallas Stars Goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) during the NHL hockey game between the Boston Bruins and Dallas Stars on February 26, 2017, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 26: Dallas Stars Goalie Kari Lehtonen (32) during the NHL hockey game between the Boston Bruins and Dallas Stars on February 26, 2017, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The month of September will be a busy one for the Dallas Stars franchise. Catch up on all you need to know about the month ahead below.

Hockey season is just around the corner. It may not seem like it at first considering we’re still 34 days away, but it will be here before you know it.

Until then, the Dallas Stars have plenty to keep themselves busy with.

Over the next few weeks, there are plenty of events scheduled and decisions to make for the Stars. Do you know about all of them? If you don’t, here’s a quick informer that you can refer to whenever necessary.

Traverse City Tournament

Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars

Dallas Stars

The first event on the Dallas Stars September schedule happens in six days in Traverse City, Michigan. The annual Traverse City Prospect Tournament features the same eight teams as every year. They are the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, and of course the Stars.

The five-day tournament offers these eight teams the opportunity to send their brightest prospects to Michigan to face off against other strong prospect teams. It’s a great chance for Dallas to survey their farm system in action before the season begins and take a good look at their future.

The rosters have not been announced yet, but names like Denis Gurianov, Remi Elie, Chris Martenet, Philippe Desrosiers, and even possibly Miro Heiskanen (depending on his injury) may be included.

The tournament starts on September 8 and goes through September 12. Keep yourself updated with all of the action on the Dallas Stars social media accounts as well as here at Blackout Dallas. Either way, make sure to stay tuned.

Training camp

One week following the beginning of the Traverse City Tournament, the Stars will be in Cedar Park for training camp. It will be their third straight season hosting training camp at the home of their AHL affiliate.

Training camp will run from September 15-18 and will feature on-ice sessions and an intrasquad scrimmage. The Stars’ top players and prospects will be in attendance, so you won’t want to miss out.

One of the biggest decisions that will be heavily factored by training camp comes on the Dallas blue line. The Stars have nine NHL-ready defenders on their roster and will have to cut a few to shed cap space. Which ones will go? Training camp should help answer this burning question.

More From Blackout Dallas: Examining Each Defender On The Stars’ Bubble

More from Blackout Dallas

It will be an exciting weekend and will afford Stars fans the chance to get an up close and personal view of the team’s 2017-18 outlook. If you haven’t already planned a trip and have the weekend open, you won’t want to miss it.

Preseason

Finally, the Dallas Stars kick off preseason action on Tuesday, September 19 at home against the St. Louis Blues. Tickets are on sale now for the Stars’ first return to competitive action.

Dallas plays a total of six preseason games, swapping home and away games with St. Louis, Minnesota, and Colorado. This will be a prime chance for the Stars coaching staff to examine each player, try out a few different lines, and find the best possible lineup in preparation for opening night against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Next: Bold Predictions For The Stars' 2017-18 Season

It’s going to be a fun September for the Dallas Stars. There’s a lot to do and a lot to debate over, so let’s get to it already.