Like Mattias Janmark did two seasons ago, John Klingberg did four years ago and Antoine Roussel did way back in the day, Tyler Pitlick could "come out of nowhere" this year for the Stars.
Of course, out of nowhere for Pitlick is three years in the NHL and six years in pro hockey. The 25-year-old forward has battled injuries for the last three seasons and accumulated just 58 games for the Edmonton Oilers. That's why the Stars were able to sign him to a three-year deal for $1 million in the summer.
While there is risk in committing to an injury-prone player, general manager Jim Nill said he believes he was worth the investment.