Nobody saw this coming: an undrafted forward is forcing the Dallas Stars to rethink everything
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Cimon Asselin
Mar 20, 2026 (5:49 PM)
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Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dylan Hryckowian lands with Glen Gulutzan's Dallas Stars as Jim Nill locks in a forward who forced attention late.
This wasn't a depth flyer. Dallas moved after Hryckowian produced 37 points in 30 games at Northeastern.
That kind of pace changes how a front office evaluates an undrafted player. Nill didn't wait for another team to step in.
Hryckowian also wore a letter as alternate captain. That matters in a room where details and habits drive ice time.
Dallas sits at 96 points, firmly in the playoff race. But this signing is about internal competition next fall.
And Gulutzan values players who can process quickly. That's where Hryckowian starts to fit the projection.
Dallas adds pressure to its bottom six
This is where the ripple effect kicks in. Hryckowian projects into a bottom six role, but nothing will be handed to him.
His 15 goals show he can finish. But it's his puck support and positioning that will earn him shifts at the next level.
Dallas already rolls four lines when things are clicking. Adding another detail-driven forward raises the standard across the bench.
And it creates pressure. Fringe players fighting for roster spots now have another body to worry about in camp.
There's also familiarity in the system. His connection with Justin Hryckowian gives the organization a read on how he thinks the game.
That kind of insight matters when projecting whether offense will carry over or stall out.
Gulutzan can ease him in on the penalty kill or sheltered minutes. That's usually the first step for young forwards trying to stick.
If he handles that, the role grows. If not, he slides down quickly. That's how this team operates.
The Stars aren't rebuilding. They're refining. Every addition has to push someone else.
Hryckowian earned this deal with production and responsibility. Now he walks into a camp where every shift will decide what comes next.
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