The Stars' top two prospects, who have both seen action with the NHL club this season, were voted among the AHL's best.
The Stars' top two prospects, who have both seen action with the NHL club this season, were voted among the AHL's best.
The Dallas Stars have high expectations for Logan Stankoven and Mavrik Bourque, their two top prospects who have dominated the AHL and seen action with the big club this season. So far, the two youngsters have not disappointed.
The AHL announced Thursday that Stankoven and Bourque were named to the 2023-24 AHL First All-Star Team. Stankoven was also selected to the league's All-Rookie Team Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Stankoven, who has been playing for Dallas since being called up February 24, recorded 57 points (24-33-57) in 47 games with the Texas Stars in his first professional campaign. He played in Dallas's final 24 games of the regular season, scoring 14 points (6-8-14) with a +10 rating and an average TOI of 14:40. He is expected to remain with them during the postseason.
Stankoven credits veterans like Joe Pavelski and Jamie Benn and other young players like Wyatt Johnston for helping him transition from the AHL style of play to the NHL.
"Everybody respects each other," Stankoven said following an April 16 practice. "Every line can contribute. Nobody's less than anybody else. That's something I can see when I'm in the room. When the leaders are talking, everybody listens."
Bourque, 22, currently leads the AHL with 75 points (26-49-75) through 69 games, ranks second with 49 assists, and is tied for third with 20 power play assists.
The Plessisville, Quebec native also paces the AHL with 248 shots on goal. He made his NHL debut with Dallas on April 6 on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks, getting two shots on goal in 10:56 of ice time before being loaned back to Texas.
While scoring is one of Bourque's most valuable assets, Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer sees other qualities he believes will help the club down the line.
"I wouldn't call him a one-dimensional offensive player," DeBoer said following Bourque's call-up in early April. "His strengths probably lie like Wyatt Johnston. He's got a conscience away from the puck. He's got good hockey sense, he can kill penalties and and be in those defensive situations and is comfortable. That's always nice from a coaching perspective."
Last November, Stankoven claimed AHL Rookie of the Month honors, while Bourque was named Player of the Month. Both players also represented Texas at the AHL All-Star Classic along with teammate Matej Blumel and coach Neil Graham.
As excited as the Stars are about the present, they're also looking forward to the future, which could see both Stankoven and Bourque on the roster next season. General manager Jim Nill has already seen a steady flow of players come through the pipeline and make quick contributions: Jake Oettinger, Miro Heiskanen, Thomas Harley and Johnston.
Stankoven has already proven he can play at the NHL level in a short time. Although his scoring has slowed recently, he has elevated the play of the line that also features Johnston and Jamie Benn. Since March 1, the three have combined for 28 goals.
"A big part of my game is hunting pucks, trying to create turnovers, and just make plays for my linemates," Stankoven said. "It's just about putting myself in good situations to get shots off. You can't score if you don't shoot the puck."
Bourque is next in line to have that opportunity.
"I'm just to the point as a player when you feel you're ready, you want that chance to come," Bourque told THN in March. "I think the people around here are happy with what I'm doing, and I've got to keep doing what I'm doing."
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