Most of the focus will be on the forward group. Jason Robertson is a restricted free agent who has yet to sign a contract, so that's one opening. Dallas also lost veterans Alexander Radulov, Michael Raffl and Vladislav Namestnikov in the off-season, so the plan is to replace with younger players.
Dellandrea, 22, was at the top of that list. Also in the mix are: Wyatt Johnston, 19, Logan Stankoven, 19, Mavrik Bourque, 20, Riley Damiani, 22, Oskar Back, 22, Fredik Karlstrom, 24, Riley Tufte, 24, Fredrik Olofsson, 26 and Rhett Gardner, 26.
Johnston and Stankoven play in the CHL, so they have to either play in the NHL or go back to junior hockey. They are given a nine-game tryout before the team has to make a decision to keep them in the NHL full-time. While that is intriguing, it is rare, so focusing on the AHL players might be smart.
Damiani had 36 points (13 goals, sists) in 55 games with the Texas Stars last season and was one of the leaders in Traverse City. Back had 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists) in 71 games with Texas and served as captain in Traverse City, so the franchise obviously values him. Bourque had 68 points (20 goals, 48 assists) in 31 games in junior hockey, so he has offensive upside. However, he also still needs pro experience. Karlstrom, Tufte and Gardner are AHL veterans, and are waiting for the chance to make a good impression.
"There's a desperation level to play," DeBoer said. "It's the best league in the world and when you look at the difference between an American (Hockey) League salary and an NHL salary, you can see where that desperation comes from."