|
|
|
Wednesday, June 20, 2001
Dallas Stars
|
First-round picks: No. 26
2000-01 record: 48-24-8-2, 106 points (5th overall)
What they need
Finding young players who can be groomed for the NHL quickly could be a concern for the Stars, who have featured a heavily veteran roster in recent seasons. The Stars' leading goalscorer from 2000-01, Brett Hull (39 goals), is now a free agent after the team declined to pick up the option on his contract for next season.
In the system
Center Steve Ott (25th overall in '00), who was the Stars' first opening-round selection in three seasons last year, had a big season for the OHL's Windsor Spitfires, scoring 50 goals and 87 points in 57 games. Another player who displayed a scoring touch in the major junior ranks was right wing Justin Cox (184th
overall in '99), who had 30 goals and 68 points in 71 games for Prince George (WHL).
At the minor league level, left wing Ryan Christie (112th overall in '96) netted 22 goals and 38 points in 67 games for the Utah Grizzlies in the club's final International Hockey League season.
Overseas, center Niko Kapanen (173rd overall in '98) excelled for HPK of the Finnish League with 11 goals and 32 points in 56 games.
Goaltender Dan Ellis (60th overall in '00) had a strong freshman season for Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA) with a 21-15-3 record in 40 appearances and a 2.48 goals-against average.
Recent draft history
The Stars have done well with their lower round selections in recent drafts. Roman Lyashenko (both '97), Jon Sim ('96), Jamie Langenbrunner ('93), and Jere Lehtinen ('92) were all chosen after the first round. On the flip side, Brenden Morrow ('97) is the only first-round pick who has contributed to the Stars of late. A pair of
former Stars first rounders -- Jarome Iginla ('95) and Todd Harvey ('93) -- have been regulars elsewhere following trades.
|
|
|
|
