With the Dallas Stars free-agency tornado calming to light wind going into Friday, the focus has shifted back to the Developmental Prospect Camp. We take a look at a minor signing as well as the winner of the Lightning McQueen Award (Most Outstanding Player).
Stars Sign Barber to bolster AHL Depth
The Stars did make a smaller move on Thursday afternoon with the signing of forward Riley Barber. Barber spent the past season splitting time with the Detroit Red Wings (four regular-season games) and the Grand Rapids Griffins where he led the team in goals scored with 28 goals scored.
The 6-foot 199-pound forward will likely spend a majority of his time in Cedar Park with the AHL affiliate Texas Stars and give the Dallas Stars an option if an injury causes a need for a forward at any point in the NHL season. The Stars signed Barber for a one-year two-way contract worth $750,000.
Stankoven Shines at D-Camp
If you read my report earlier this week, you already know that I am high on the Stank. Logan Stankoven continued to shine at the Dallas Stars Developmental Camp as he took home the Lightning McQueen Award. The award is named after development coordinator JJ McQueen and represents the most outstanding player at the camp.
It comes as no surprise to me to see Stankoven receive the award as it was apparent on day one that he was going to be pushing all other skaters throughout the camp. At 5-feet-8, Stankoven displayed lightning quickness and tremendous goal-scoring ability with a wicked wrist shot.
I am going to go out on a limb here and say it. If Stankoven can show this same type of play in the Traverse City tournament and training camp, he very well could find himself on the opening night roster for the Dallas Stars. (It should be noted that due to his age, Stankoven would not be eligible to join the AHL roster.) Bananalands, I know.
I was fortunate enough to chat with Stankoven prior to camp about his season with the Kamloops Blazers and time in the Stars organization thus far. Make sure to check it out by clicking the link below.
The Waiting Game
Lastly, as of 2 PM on Friday afternoon there has been little to no news on the contracts of Jason Robertson or Jake Oettinger. As it stands the Stars have $11,460,834 left in cap space to offer both players. Assuming the Stars are done signing anyone outside of the organization, Robo and Otter will split the remaining cap in various amount of ways. Do we see either get a bridge deal much like that of Roope Hintz? (3-year $3.5 AAV) Or do we see a clean split down the middle with the contract of Anton Khudobhin being traded off to a team attempting to hit the cap bottom? Personally, I am comfortable with either but it is reassuring knowing that there is enough money at hand to ensure that both Robo and Otter are happy and dawning victory green come opening night.
The Morning Skate 