Draft journal: Johns calls extension 'biggest day of my career'

Friday was Day 1 of the NHL Draft in Dallas, but the Stars were busy on other fronts as well, getting one of their restricted free agents under contract and finalizing their coaching staff.
The Stars announced Friday that they signed defenseman Stephen Johns to a three-year contract extension worth $2.35 million per year.
"It's the biggest day of my career and solidifies me for three more years in the city, so I couldn't be more excited," Johns said just moments after the deal was announced. "I just want to thank the Dallas Stars and (owner) Tom Gaglardi for having faith in me and giving me this opportunity. I couldn't be happier."

COMPLETE COVERAGE: [Dellandrea aims to flourish with Stars | Photo gallery | Draft Central]
The 26-year-old Johns, who was acquired from Chicago in July 2015, has played 150 games for the Stars, recording 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists).

"We're excited with Stephen," said Stars GM Jim Nill. "Ever since we traded for him with Chicago he's come in, and his game has developed, and we think there is more development to come. He is still a young man and what I like is that he is a big, strong man. He skates well and has a very good shot. I think we are just starting to see what he can become."
Last season, Johns tallied career highs in both goals (8) and points (15) in 75 games. He led the Stars in both blocked shots (155) and hits (201) while averaging 17:33 of ice time.
"I think last year was huge," Johns said. "I think I got my confidence back. I learned how to play the game at the NHL level and play at a consistent level and how you have to prepare for every game the same way.
"It's a grind, but everybody has gone through the same grind, so you can't complain or look down on yourself because you've got to play every other day pretty much."

Stars hire Bowness as assistant coach

The Stars rounded out their coaching staff Friday, hiring Rick Bowness as an assistant coach. The Stars also announced that they are retaining assistant coach Stu Barnes, goaltending coach Jeff Reese, and video coach Kelly Forbes. Add in recently-hired assistant coach Todd Nelson, and Stars head coach Jim Montgomery's staff is now set.
The 63-year-old Bowness spent the last five seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning as associate coach. During his time with the Lightning the team made it to the Eastern Conference three times and to the Stanley Cup Final in 2015.
Bowness has more than 30 years of coaching experience, including various positions at the NHL level with the Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks and Lightning. He's been a head coach for 423 games with the Senators, Islanders, Bruins, Coyotes, and Jets.
"He's been around a long time," said Stars GM Jim Nill. "He's worn a lot of different hats, and he's going to bring experience. We've got a young, energetic group and he's going to bring that experience, and he is going to be a big part of our success on the coaching side."

Dellandrea scouting reports

Center Ty Dellandrea, the Stars first-round pick (13th overall) in Friday's NHL Draft, ranked as high as 14 in one independent scouting service and as low as 43 in another. In between, there were rankings of 16 and 18 and 30 and 32.
Dellandrea tallied 59 points (27 goals, 32 assists) in 67 games with the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League. He was once the teammate and roommate of Dallas prospect Nick Caamano (a fifth-round pick in 2016) before Caamano was dealt to Hamilton within the OHL last season.
Red Line Report, which ranked Dellandrea 14th overall among draft prospects, had this to say about him in its 2018 Draft Guide: "We love his competitive spirit and never-give-up attitude on a bad club that was always playing from behind. Heavily involved in the dirty areas. Strong in puck battles and finishes all his checks. Keeps pucks alive and extends plays, turning nothing into an instantly dangerous chance. Tremendous two-way player - forces the action with an attacking, persistent forecheck. Grinds away and outworks opponents, eventually wearing them down. Sees the ice extremely well and has good playmaking ability."
International Scouting Services ranked Dellandrea 43rd among draft prospects and said this about him in its 2018 NHL Draft Guide: "Dellandrea's development curve throughout this season has been tremendous. Very smart two-way forward with excellent hockey sense. ... Quick to transition on offense and is a good playmaker in the offensive end. Always backchecks hard and helps to force turnovers. Good all-around player with lots of upside to his game. Competes well and chases loose pucks. He will likely take some time to develop, and the team that drafts him will need to be patient."

Modano, Benn announce Stars pick

Stars captain Jamie Benn and Stars legend Mike Modano took the stage to announce center Ty Dellandrea as Dallas' first-round pick Friday night at American Airlines Center.
"It was great to have us host the draft and let our fans see what goes on behind the scenes," Benn said. "It was fun to do it with Mike. It took a lot of practice before we went out, but I think we nailed it."
Modano joked that Benn got a little nervous with Dellandrea's name.
"The name of the draft pick sent [Jamie] for a loop," said Modano. "He was hoping for Ty Smith. The last name kind of threw him off, so he was kind of panicked."
Joking aside, Modano and Benn making the announcement was a nice touch and drew a thunderous approval from Stars fans at the AAC.
"[Having the draft here] is great for the city and great for the fans and our season ticket holders, " said Stars GM Jim Nill. "It's a chance for us to show off what we've got here. Sometimes here in the south, people forget about you. They realize now. When Jamie and Mike came out there that was a pretty special moment."

Odds and ends

The center of the hockey universe will be in Texas on Friday and Saturday as the Stars host the 2018 NHL Draft™ presented by adidas for the first time ever at American Airlines Center. For complete Draft coverage, including the latest stories, videos and event information, click here.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mark Stepneski is an independent writer whose posts on DallasStars.com reflect his own opinions and do not represent official statements from the Dallas Stars. Follow him on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.