The Dallas Stars have signed their first round pick, inking Ty Dellandrea to a three-year entry-level contract. Dellandrea was sent back to the Flint Firebirds of the OHL just moments later, where he’ll be expected to take the next step in his development.
Selected 13th overall in June, Dellandrea was a bit of a surprise pick by the Stars. With other flashy prospects like Joel Farabee, Ty Smith, Rasmus Kupari and Joe Veleno still available, the Stars instead stayed true to their board and picked the well rounded forward from Flint who has yet to really blossom at the OHL level. That could easily happen this year though after an impressive performance in the rookie tournament and an exciting summer from all accounts. He’ll almost assuredly improve on the 59 points he recorded last season in 67 games, especially if the Firebirds can find even a modicum of success after years of turmoil in the front office and coaching staff.
Dallas may have to wait for their newest prospect to develop into an NHL player, but with the franchise expected to experience somewhat of a bounce back campaign and other young stars taking the spotlight off him, Dellandrea can quietly go about his business in the junior and minor leagues for the next year or two. He could be a key player at the World Juniors this winter, after suiting up for Canada at the Summer Showcase.
I was mad when they made the pick but after reading about him and watching him a few times this summer I’m feeling pretty good about him. I think he’ll be a successful two way center that plays on the 2nd/3rd line and puts up 50-60
points a year