Marchment's dad and Spott were former teammates and longtime friends, and Bryan served as a pro scout with the San Jose Sharks when DeBoer and Spott were coaches from 2015-20.
"Spotter and my old man were friends for a long time, and I used to go watch games with my dad in Kitchener and see Spotter after the games and he was always great to me," Marchment said in his first zoom call with the media on Thursday. "I met Pete when he started coaching the Sharks and my dad worked there. I had a little conversation with him, and it seems like he really believes in this group. I do too, so I think it's going to be a great fit."
DeBoer said having that relationship should be good for everyone. Both he and Spott are stepping in and trying to assess what the Stars have and what they can do. Marchment is taking a huge step forward in responsibility and expectation. He has played mostly in the minors throughout his career, but had a breakout season with the Panthers, tallying 47 points (18 goals, 29 assists) in 54 games last season. That'll take him from a "two-way" contract that was for less than $1 million at the NHL level to a guaranteed four-year deal that'll average $4.5 million.
Marchment said he doesn't let that kind of stuff get to his head, and said his dad helped him a great deal in focusing on the enjoyment of playing the game.
"He was a big part of my career, was a big role model for me and someone I always looked up to," Marchment said. "He always just said 'Go out there, have fun and play hard.' That's what I've been trying to do throughout my whole career. Definitely thankful for everything he did for me growing up."
DeBoer said he received an example of that last season. He said he was so impressed with Marchment when he was watching video to get prepared for a Vegas game against Florida that he was compelled to text Bryan.
"I sent his dad a text last season because I had just pre-scouted Florida against Winnipeg, and Mason was by far the best player on the ice, and I texted the dad just because I was so impressed," DeBoer said. "And in typical Bryan Marchment fashion, he texted back `I just want him to enjoy the game and work hard.' I think that says a lot."
The fact that Marchment is playing so well is a surprise. He was a late bloomer and didn't start his major junior career until he was 19. He played five seasons in the minors and got his first real NHL chance in 2020 with Florida. Last season, he ranked 17th on Florida in time on ice at 14:07 but ranked sixth in even-strength goals at 17 and fifth in hits at 114.
His analytics indicated he did a great deal in limited ice time.
"His trajectory has just exploded," DeBoer said. "To do what he did last year, the analytics and the eye test were amazing."
The Stars are hoping that upward path will continue. They're also hoping DeBoer and Spott are the coaches who can help him in that regard. That said, Marchment believes he's in a place where he can take the next step and embrace the responsibility.
"Florida gave me a really good opportunity to play there with some good players," he said. "We found some chemistry. I think coming over to Dallas, I just want to do a lot of the same things. Get to the net, be heavy, be hard to play against."
He added: "I'm a really competitive person. All I want to do is win. My whole career, all I want to do is make the playoffs and make a push."
And that could make for the right fit at the right time for both player and team.
"I can't wait to work with him," DeBoer said. "I think his dad would be excited to see him here with me and Steve."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.
