A 2023 second-round pick is quietly making strides in the AHL, showcasing defensive prowess and physical growth that could earn him a roster spot next season.
Dallas Stars prospect Tristan Bertucci is starting to become a name that fans should look out for as the young defenseman, who has recently started to take meaningful steps up the organizational ladder.
The Stars’ 2023 second round pick is currently getting his first extended taste of professional hockey with the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League, and the early returns have been quietly encouraging. While Bertucci may not be lighting up the scoresheet, his overall play has shown why Dallas invested a high draft pick in the 20-year-old.
Through 37 games this season, Bertucci has recorded three goals and 13 assists for 16 points. Those numbers will not jump off the page for fans but that has never been Bertucci’s calling card. Even during his junior career with the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League, offense played a secondary role to his defensive reliability.
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Bertucci has built his game around shutting down opposing forwards, particularly in one-on-one situations. His skating allows him to maintain tight gaps, while his growing physical presence has helped him adjust to the faster and heavier pro game. Listed at six-foot-two and 187 pounds, Bertucci has also begun to show a more consistent edge, something that will become increasingly important as he continues to develop.
The North York, Ontario native sits at plus-one on the season, a notable mark considering Texas has struggled overall with a 20-19-3-1 record. Bertucci has managed to remain steady in his own end throughout the team’s ups and downs.
Opportunity may also be on the horizon as Dallas has several depth defensemen on the NHL roster, including Kyle Capobianco and Alexander Petrovic, who are set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason. If Bertucci can continue to show he is capable of handling pro level minutes, he could begin carving out a path toward a main roster spot sooner rather than later.
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