With most of the attention on Dallas’ offensive prospects, it’s easy to miss the high potential of their defensive prospects. After all, Miro Heiskanen is shining bright and has had an impressive couple of seasons, making himself an attention-grabbing member of the current roster. However, fans shouldn’t discredit the benefits Christian Kyrou could bring to the Stars in the near future alongside the talents of Lian Bichsel and George Fegaras
Dallas Stars Prospect Series: Christian Kyrou’s Background
Currently best known as Jordan Kyrou’s brother, Christian will likely be making a name for himself very soon. He spent the 2022-23 season playing in the OHL for the Erie Otters and Sarnia Sting, proving to be a bit of an offensive defenseman. He racked up 36 points in 27 games in Erie and 31 points in 29 games with Sarnia. This brought him to a season total of 67 points in 56 games. Kyrou is about to turn 20 and signed a 3-year entry-level contract with the Stars that begins this season.
Dallas Stars Prospect Series: Likeliness that he will make the Stars’ roster this season
Given his youth and the current depth of the Stars’ roster and prospect pool, it isn’t very likely that Kyrou gets pulled up to the big leagues this year. However, the Stars’ Director of Amateur Scouting, Joe McDonnell has already likened him to John Klingberg and noted his offensive potential as a defenseman.
With Klingberg’s departure wielding mixed fan reactions, it’s heartening to know there is a prospect for the future who could fill those shoes. For now, the Stars will likely rely on their current roster, off-season signings, and top AHL defenseman should any spots open up.
Dallas Stars Prospect Series: What he needs to work on
Consistency will be key for Kyrou to move up the Stars’ ranks. Though he was off to a rough start in the OHL leading up to the shutdown a few years back, he has since broken out. His point tallies have been impressive, but he must maintain this to skyrocket as a top prospect for the Stars.
He’s a bit smaller than Heiskanen and Klingberg in terms of height, as well as some of the other defensemen on the team, but his ability to get around defenders and open up scoring opportunities could give him an upper hand. The real question is, can he do it consistently against players at higher levels of play – better than the rest of the Stars’ prospect pool?
While Christian Kyrou has a chance to continue to stand out, he will have to leapfrog ahead of his fellow prospects – and the Stars’ current vets – to snag a roster spot. With so much young blood filling the team’s defense overall, there aren’t likely to be many openings in the near future. As a result, Kyrou will have to rise above and prove he has what it takes to earn a spot sooner rather than later.