FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Stars opened training camp with optimism after a summer that gave the team something it did not have much of last season: time to recover.
General manager Jim Nill said the Stars enter camp with most of their roster healthy and eager to get back on the ice following an extended break after a demanding season.
Several players will begin camp on the sidelines. Nill said Bertucci and Futre are dealing with injuries, while Cameron Schmidt missed the recent prospect tournament after becoming ill. The rest of the roster was expected to be cleared pending medical evaluations.
One of the biggest storylines is Tyler, who has been cleared by his surgeon for contact. Nill said the next step will be determining how Tyler responds as practices become more competitive.
“He’s been through this situation before,” Nill said, noting Tyler’s conditioning and commitment. The Stars expect him to work his way back toward full strength during camp.
The Stars also believe the additional time away from hockey helped the team both physically and mentally. Players were able to spend more time with their families, recover from the wear and tear of the previous season and return to Dallas eager to resume work.
Dallas will have to navigate a changing salary-cap landscape while relying on younger players to provide additional depth. Nill said the organization believes it remains strong through its top nine forwards, while prospects in Austin will have opportunities to push for NHL roster spots.
Jamie Benn also returns as an important veteran presence. Nill said Benn had a strong offseason and remains capable of playing multiple positions while continuing to provide leadership on and off the ice.
The shortened preseason will create another challenge. Dallas will have only four exhibition games, limiting the opportunities available to prospects. The organization is looking for additional ways to get younger players meaningful game experience, including a prospect tournament in Tucson.
After last season’s adversity, Nill believes the Stars have the experience and chemistry necessary to move forward.
The message entering camp is straightforward: recover, adjust and get back to work.
“We’re excited,” Nill said. “It’s a good group. Real good group.”
