The Stars are very happy with this pick, and could give Dellandrea a chance to play in the NHL this season. The scrappy, two-way center has impressed Dallas scouts with his mental toughness playing for a struggling Flint team, and the Stars would love it if he could move into the AHL and take the next step.
That's not possible this season, as OHL rules state Dellandrea must play in the NHL or return to junior hockey. As it sits right now, the Stars are leaning toward giving Dellandrea an NHL tryout to start next season and then make a decision on whether or not he should stay.
Dallas can play Dellandrea in nine NHL games without "burning" the first year of his entry-level deal. If Dellandrea returns to the OHL before his 10th game, his contract slides to next season and everybody is happy. If he plays his 10th NHL game, he then will likely stay for the rest of the season.
Dellandrea, a right-handed center, had 63 points (22 goals, 41 assists) in 60 games for Flint last season and added three points (two goals, one assist) in 11 games with the Texas Stars as a late-season call-up once Flint's season was over.
The Firebirds were the second-worst team in the OHL at 16-46-6 last season, so if Dellandrea doesn't play in the NHL, the Firebirds could seek a trade for him to help stock the cupboard, possibly moving him to a key contender.
Dellandrea is scheduled to be at Stars Development Camp at Comerica Center in Frisco June 25-28.