Dallas Stars Prospect Pool Faces Center Shortage in 2026-27

Emil Hemming tallied 26 goals and 63 points in just 46 OHL games after an AHL start in 2025-26.

Wing Depth Provides Scoring Potential

Hemming improved his defensive play and added playmaking while maintaining a shoot-first identity that produced 15 playoff goals in 21 OHL games. His transition to full-time AHL duty in 2026-27 creates a direct path to NHL wing minutes if he sustains a 0.55 goals-per-game rate.

Cameron Schmidt recorded 51 goals and 100 points across the WHL before moving to the Victoria Royals, where his rush creation and post-whistle energy could translate to bottom-six energy minutes. The 2025 third-round pick’s undersized frame limits physical projection yet has not prevented consistent scoring in junior.

Matthew Seminoff posted 24 goals and 50 points in the AHL after earlier ECHL time, a 100 percent increase in production that positions him for emergency NHL call-ups in 2026-27. The sixth-round pick’s improved net-front presence contrasts with slower progress from earlier draft classes.

Ayrton Martino’s rush skills have not translated after two pro seasons, placing his NHL timeline behind Hemming and Schmidt despite similar junior pedigree. The organization retains him mainly for depth insurance rather than top-six upside.

Center Shortage Creates Immediate Risk

Angus MacDonell managed limited ECHL production without measurable growth, leaving him as a possible fourth-line energy option at best. His high-energy style has not produced the offensive jump needed to project beyond fringe NHL status.

Atte Joki offers the strongest defensive habits among center prospects yet lacks the skating speed to escape forechecks consistently. Without added strength and pace, Joki’s bottom-six ceiling remains distant compared to established NHL centers like Wyatt Johnston.

The absence of any high-upside center prospect forces Dallas to rely on external additions or internal wing conversions, a contrast to the deeper pipeline that existed two years ago when Logan Stankoven and Mavrik Bourque were still in the fold.

Tristan Bertucci logged meaningful AHL minutes as a rookie and showed improved puck confidence while retaining physical play, providing a defensive foundation that could stabilize third-pair minutes sooner than forward prospects.

2026 Draft Adds Long-Term Pieces

Jakub Vanecek collected 35 points in 59 WHL games as a transitional defender selected 59th overall, offering mobility that could develop into third-pair NHL minutes after two more junior seasons. The Czech blueliner’s two-way habits stand out on a team that lacked structure.

Ryan Brown, chosen 155th overall, projects as a penalty-killing forward with limited offensive upside after posting improved second-half numbers in the OHL. Anton Emil Wilde Larsen and Jasper Kuhta add goaltending depth and two-way forward traits respectively, but neither arrives with top-six expectations.

Aram Minnetian signed his entry-level contract after three Boston College seasons and appeared in 11 AHL games, where flashes of puck-moving ability emerged. A full pro campaign in 2026-27 will test whether his improved defensive stick work survives the jump from college.

Pipeline Outlook

The Stars’ five 2026 draft selections reflect limited high-value assets and reinforce reliance on mid-round wing bets made in prior years. Without center reinforcement, the organization faces a narrowing window before current NHL roster contracts expire.