Neil Graham has taken another step in his coaching career, moving up from the AHL to become the newest assistant coach for the Dallas Stars.

Graham is 40 years old and has fast tracked his way into the NHL for someone who never broke through as an NHL player. He has been in the organization starting with the ECHL affiliate of Dallas, the Idaho Steelheads. Graham was promoted to head coach of Idaho in 2015 and served in that role for four years before taking the reigns for the Texas Stars midway through his first season at the AHL level.

Graham had joined Texas as an assistant under then head coach Derek Laxdal, who moved up to Dallas when Rick Bowness was suddenly promoted to head coach. He took the opportunity and ran with it until now.

Graham has coached several of the star young players who are now an integral part of the Dallas organization. He won with those players, and still won without the young talent in the latest playoff run. Texas was ousted in the AHL Conference Final this season by the eventual Calder Cup champion Abbotsford Canucks without a star studded roster. General Manager Jim Nill acknowledged his success in his postseason press conference.

The Stars need some continuity, and Graham should provide it. Even though he was interviewed for the head coach position, it seemed inevitable that he would join Dallas in some form or fashion. Glen Gulutzan beat Graham out for the top spot, but Graham is still poised to keep moving up when the time is right.

Make sure you bookmark THN's Dallas Stars site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Stars Bring Back Veteran for Two More Years

Stars' Big Hurdle To Improving Team

Stars Former Head Coach Returns

Stars Select Forward Cameron Schmidt With 94th Overall Pick

• Follow Taylor on Twitter: @THN_taylor