After three years in the minors, Stars RFA Adam Mascherin has decided that it’s time for a change as Skelleftea of the SHL announced that they’ve signed the winger to a one-year contract. Dallas will still retain his rights having tendered him a qualifying offer last month.
The 23-year-old has taken a bit of a unique route so far in his career. Originally drafted in the second round by Florida (38th overall) back in 2016, Mascherin elected not to sign with them and chose to re-enter the draft in the hopes of finding a better opportunity. Dallas then took him in the fourth round in 2018 (100th overall) and quickly signed him to an entry-level deal.
However, there has yet to be an NHL opportunity for Mascherin with Dallas despite two strong seasons with AHL Texas. He had 44 points in 75 games in his rookie season in 2018-19 and, after a tough sophomore year, rebounded nicely with 18 goals and 16 assists in 37 games with Texas last season, good for second on the team in points and third in the league in goals. That still wasn’t enough to even earn him a stint with the taxi squad let alone a recall.
Instead of trying to earn a spot in camp with the Stars, Mascherin will try his hand overseas where a strong showing could give him some more leverage in contract talks with Dallas a year from now or boost his stock to the point where another team could trade for his rights and give him an opportunity.