Dallas may have found the next Jason Robertson, and almost no one noticed

The Dallas Stars believe a small forward from the Western Hockey League could follow Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston by using his talent to become a star in the NHL despite his size.

Cameron Schmidt, a dynamic winger who posted 40 goals and 78 points in 61 games with the Vancouver Giants, was taken in the third round of the 2025 NHL Draft. At just 5-foot-8, he fits the mold of Dallas's recent trend of banking on pure skill over frame.

His performance at the Stars' development camp in Frisco turned heads, where coaches praised his elite release and vision despite his smaller build, as noted by Daily Faceoff.

Cameron Schmidt's skill-first game could make him Dallas's next breakout success

Dallas has found success before with players who slipped in the draft due to size, with Robertson, Johnston, and Logan Stankoven now central pieces of their core. Schmidt, though still raw, has scouts projecting a similar trajectory if his offensive instincts translate to pro hockey.

According to NHL.com, the Stars see Cameron Schmidt as one of their next potential "draft-day steals," with scouting director Joe McDonnell praising his scoring touch despite his smaller frame.

A development coach added:

"If he keeps working, Schmidt can mirror what Robertson did for us, earning a spot faster than people expect."

With the Stars' track record of developing undersized forwards, Schmidt could be the next surprise impact player to climb their depth chart.

Fans will be watching closely when preseason starts to see if Schmidt can turn his hot summer into a real chance at making the NHL roster, or if he starts in the AHL.