Dallas NHL Stars Prospect Pool Overview: Defense-Heavy Depth, Scoring Needs, and Future Blue Line Backbone

As part of our NHL Prospect Pool Overview series, we turn our attention to the Dallas Stars—a franchise that has expertly bridged the gap between aging veterans and an emerging young core. Tony Ferrari takes a deep dive into the Stars’ developmental pipeline, assessing its strengths, weaknesses, standout prospects, and draft class potential.

Setting the Stage: Transitioning With Purpose

Dallas has delivered a textbook example of how to evolve while remaining competitive. With homegrown stars like Miro Heiskanen, Jason Robertson, Jake Oettinger, and Roope Hintz now fully established, the Stars have injected fresh talent through smart drafting and development. The recent addition of Mikko Rantanen only reinforces their ambitions.

Although players like Wyatt Johnston—a two-time 30-goal scorer—and rising blueliner Thomas Harley no longer qualify as prospects, they symbolize a bright future. Johnston, entering his age-22 season, is poised to become a point-per-game player, while Harley’s performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off emphasized his dynamic two-way potential.

With those cornerstones in place, Dallas is now relying on its prospect pipeline to keep the momentum going.

On the Rise: Top Prospects in the System

Lian Bichsel, D

While technically past rookie status with 38 NHL games, Bichsel remains a central figure in the Stars’ long-term plans. The 6’5″ Swiss defender combines imposing physicality with surprising mobility. He keeps his game simple—defensively sound, steady with the puck, and rarely overextends.

Aram Minnetian, D

Currently excelling at Boston College, Minnetian’s game revolves around smart skating, awareness, and efficient puck movement. Expect him to play a key role in BC’s blueline next season.

Tristan Bertucci, D

Fresh off an 18-point playoff run in the OHL, Bertucci brings a stay-at-home defensive game with improving puck movement. Now headed to the AHL, he’s the kind of under-the-radar defenseman who can become a key depth piece.

Emil Hemming, RW

Though inconsistent in the OHL last season, Hemming plays with energy, a heavy shot, and physical engagement. He profiles as a potential middle-six winger if he polishes his offensive instincts.

Ayrton Martino, LW

A senior breakout star in the NCAA, Martino jumped from 27 to 51 points. His speed and scoring touch are exciting, but he’ll need to develop more well-rounded tools at the AHL level.

2025 NHL Draft Class Recap

The Stars stayed true to form in this year’s draft—taking swings on high-upside talent while balancing risk with safe, system-ready picks:

• Round 3 (94th): Cameron Schmidt, RW – First-round talent with speed and a lethal shot, but concerns over size and defensive effort caused his slide. A high-risk, high-reward pick.

• Round 4 (126th): Brandon Gorzynski, C/LW – A hard-working, defensively reliable forward with bottom-six upside.

• Round 5 (146th): Atte Joki, C – A two-way Finnish center with good hockey sense and off-puck movement.

• Round 5 (158th): Mans Goos, G – Swedish goalie with size and poise in close but needs work on lateral movement.

• Round 6 (190th): Dawson Sharkey, RW – A high-energy forward with grit and flashes of skill.

• Round 7 (222nd): Charlie Paquette, RW – Overager with strong OHL numbers and a physical edge, but lacking polish in key areas.

Strengths: Defense is the Foundation

Dallas’ pipeline is defense-rich, led by Bichsel, Minnetian, Bertucci, and others like:

• Christian Kyrou – Offensive-minded, creative puck-mover with AHL experience.

• Niilopekka Muhonen – A physical, mobile blueliner who helped lead Medicine Hat to a WHL title.

This depth ensures a steady supply of NHL-ready defenders in the coming seasons.

Weaknesses: Center Ice Depth Lacking

While the NHL roster features strong centerpieces like Johnston and Mavrik Bourque, the pipeline lacks high-end natural centers. Joki is a solid add, but overall, center depth remains an area of concern moving forward.

Hidden Gem: Antonio Stranges, LW

Few players are as intriguing as Stranges. Known for his jaw-dropping skill and unorthodox skating style, he’s long been labeled a “practice all-star.” But he started putting the pieces together last season in the AHL. If he can translate that flair into consistency, he could be a difference-maker.

Next Man Up: Lian Bichsel, D

With Chris Tanev departing in free agency, the Stars are looking to Bichsel to step up. He offers the kind of hard-nosed, shutdown presence Dallas sorely missed when relying on stop-gap veterans. If Bichsel adapts quickly, he could be a fixture in the NHL lineup.

Prospect Depth Chart (Notable Names)

Left Wing: Ayrton Martino, Antonio Stranges, Brandon Gorzynski, Justin Ertel
Center: Angus MacDonell, Atte Joki, Francesco Arcuri
Right Wing: Emil Hemming, Cameron Schmidt, Charlie Paquette, Matthew Seminoff
Left Defense: Lian Bichsel, Tristan Bertucci, Niilopekka Muhonen
Right Defense: Aram Minnetian, Gavin White, Christian Kyrou, Connor Punnett
Goaltenders: Maxim Mayorov, Mans Goos, Arno Tiefensee, Remi Poirier, Ben Kraws

Final Thoughts

The Dallas Stars continue to build for sustained success. Their strong defensive pipeline and savvy draft approach allow them to remain competitive while preparing for the future. Addressing the center depth in upcoming drafts should be a top priority, but overall, the organization’s prospect development remains a model for balance and vision.