It has been a long journey through pro hockey for the Russian forward. Dallas selected him No. 12 in the 2015 NHL Draft, four spots ahead of center Mathew Barzal (New York Islanders), who won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's best rookie last season, and five spots ahead of forward Kyle Connor, who had 31 goals for the Winnipeg Jets in 2017-18.
Compared to the success of Barzal and Connor, Gurianov (6-foot-2, 195 pounds), had developed at a slower pace. When Texas went to Game 7 of the Calder Cup Final last season, Gurianov was a healthy scratch for five games, including the final two. He had five points (two goals, three assists) in 16 playoff games after scoring 19 goals during the regular season. His tendency to blend into the play, rather than stand out, did him no favors.
However, Gurianov has started to rewrite his story after a difficult 2017-18 season. Several offseason losses for Texas have allowed him to return to the lineup as a regular. He had six goals in the first eight games and was promoted to Dallas. In 11 NHL games, he had three points (one goal, two assists).
Time is still on the side of the 21-year-old, who has 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in 28 AHL games.