As expected, Stankoven's "move" was purely financial, and he never actually left the team. The rookie has been excellent in his first four games with the Stars, scoring goals in three straight games, to give him four points (3G/ 1A) to begin his NHL career.
In presumably a paper transaction, Stankoven was reassigned to the Texas Stars (AHL). The 21-year-old has transitioned seamlessly to the NHL, scoring four points (3G / 1A) in four games while playing on a line with Wyatt Johnston and Jamie Benn.
Despite being held off the scoresheet, Stankoven was impressive in his NHL debut on Saturday, recording 15:20 time-on-ice while firing three shots on goals. He played on a line with Jamie Benn and Wyatt Johnston. Stankoven has spent the majority of the 2023-24 campaign in the AHL, transitioning seamlessly in his first professional season, leading the league with 57 points (24G / 33A) in 46 games with the Texas Stars.
The Stars recalled Stankoven ahead of Tuesday's game against the Rangers, but immediately loaned him back after Matt Duchene (lower-body) was deemed fit to play. The highly-touted prospect's NHL debut will have to wait. Stankoven has transitioned seamlessly in his first professional season, leading the AHL with 57 points (24G / 33A) in 46 games with the Texas Stars.
The Stars are without forwards Evgenii Dadonov (lower-body) and presumably Matt Duchene (lower-body), who was a last-minute scratch on Monday. The Stars are playing the back end of a back-to-back on Tuesday and have recalled some offensive pedigree in the form of their highly touted prospect. Stankoven has transitioned seamlessly in his first professional season, leading the AHL with 57 points (24G / 33A) in 46 games with the Texas Stars. He could make his NHL debut on Tuesday depending on the health and availability of other Stars' players, namely Duchene.
Despite having an impressive preseason, recording five points (2G / 3A) in six games, a logjam of offensive talent on the Dallas Stars' roster has prevented Stankoven from cracking the opening night roster. Stankoven will likely see some time in the NHL this year but as he awaits his callup, the Stars' top prospect should see top-line minutes playing with the Texas Stars of the AHL.
