Performance evaluation: The NHL’s current salary structure provides plenty of opportunities for a young player like Hryckowian. The only problem is there aren’t a whole lot of players like Hryckowian. A versatile forward, Hryckowian worked his way through Northeastern University in Boston and caught the eye of the Stars’ scouts. That performance led to Dallas signing him to an entry-level deal in March 2024. He spent one season with the Texas Stars and was named AHL Rookie of the Year after scoring 22 goals among 60 points in 67 games. That opened the door to a training camp tryout with Dallas last season, and the now-25-year-old found a way to stick. Hryckowian played in 81 games and had 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) in his first NHL season. He was third on the team in both hits (119) and faceoff win percentage (55.1 percent), and gained a lot of respect from the new coaching staff. Glen Gulutzan was looking for more physicality in his first year at the helm, and Hryckowian understood that. He provided energy, mucky play and some attitude, and the Stars definitely used that on their way to posting the third best record in the league. He also became a fan favorite after chirping at the Edmonton Oilers bench during a stoppage in a game in March, and helped the team bond just a little tighter as they supported their new ‘little brother.’ Both he and the Stars seemed to lose that edge in the playoffs against Minnesota, and that’s something everybody will be examining as the offseason rolls along, but it was clear that giving a hungry player with some bite a chance to make a difference was a good decision on the organization’s part.
