The Dallas Stars got some good news from across the pond during the offseason. Number 1 rated Stars prospect Logan Stankoven came away with some hardware at the WHL Awards. He came away with the Brad Hornung Memorial trophy (Third Blazer to do so) for best sportsmanship and the Four Broncos trophy for player of the year.
For those who haven’t been following the Dallas Stars prospects this season, Stankoven had probably the best year of his career with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL this season. He finished fourth overall in goal scored in the league this season with 104 points ( 45 goals and 59 assists).
He dominated in the playoffs as well scoring 17 goals and 14 assists. Kamloops however lost in 7 games to Stars prospect Connor Roulette the Seattle Thunderbirds ending Stankoven’s amazing season.
Stars’ fans cannot wait for this guy to suit up for the Stars and it can be as soon as next season if he does well at training camp. If he doesn’t do well, he will go back to Kamloops for probably his last season since he will be eligible after next season for the AHL.
I hope the NHL can sit down with the 4 Canadian hockey leagues and the AHL and work out some kind of agreement where 3 of the NHL Clubs top prospects can immediately join the AHL if they are under 20. I know it wont happen but Texas Stars season ticket holders probably beg to differ on this idea.
Personally, I think he is ready for the NHL and sending him back to Kamloops would be a terrible thing for him. Since he dominated the WHL this season, I just think it would be a waste of development for him to compete at the same level. I will leave that up decision up to the next head coach of the Dallas Stars and the front office to decide if he’s ready for the next level.