The Dallas Stars prospects needed to go out with a bang as they wrapped up their prospect tournament schedule against the Columbus Blue Jackets. They sure did that as they won 6-3 over the Blue Jackets and finished with a 2-1 record this weekend. Everyone played a huge part in the win this morning. The Stars tied it late in the third period and after back-to-back goals shortly after, they never looked back. Let’s take a look at the three main takeaways from the game today.
Dallas Stars vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: 3. Artem Grushnikov was amazing
After rewatching the game, Artem Grushnikov had one of the best defensive performances today against the Blue Jackets. Even though his turnover led to a goal, he was basically flawless for the remainder of the game.
If I’m a current Stars defenseman and my contract is up in a couple of years, Grushnikov might be stealing your spot on the roster shortly. Hopefully, he will go into training camp and have a good showing during the preseason games.
Dallas Stars vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: 2. Chase Wheatcroft might be a steal
Jim Nill might be winning GM of the Year again next season after finding the biggest gem in the WHL. When he signed Wheatcroft to that entry-level contract, we didn’t know what we were getting in him.
After scoring three goals in the prospect tournament, we now know what Nill saw in him and got him signed. If he continues this over into the preseason games, I could see him possibly being called up if one of our top wingers were to go down with an injury.
Dallas Stars vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: 1. Logan Stankoven finally got a goal
After all the missed shots that Stankoven had at the prospect tournament, he finally got a goal today on a pass from Mavrik Bourque. He could have had another two for the tournament if it didn’t hit the crossbar. Stankoven improved each game that he played in.
Another thing that I want to point out before wrapping up this article is that Stankoven seems to have great chemistry with Chase Wheatcroft. Both of them played well together and I hope that they get paired together in the preseason games to keep building that chemistry. Now that he’s warmed up from the prospect tournament, let’s see if he can put on an amazing training camp performance.