Dallas Stars quietly add former third-round pick who could shock the NHL

The Dallas Stars add intriguing defender to their pipeline as former third-round pick seeks fresh start in Texas

The Dallas Stars' development system has quietly become one of the best in the NHL, and this fall, they'll welcome another new face trying to prove he belongs.

Former Boston College defenseman Aidan Hreschuk has signed a one-year AHL deal with the Texas Stars, giving Dallas a chance to see whether the 22-year-old can grow into more than his draft résumé suggests.

Hreschuk was originally a third-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021 and had his rights traded to Columbus in the 2022 Max Domi deal. But when the Blue Jackets declined to sign him by the August 15 deadline, he filed the paperwork to become an unrestricted free agent.

Why the Dallas Stars see Aidan Hreschuk as a low-risk addition with upside

At 5'11", Hreschuk doesn't have the size that NHL teams typically covet in stay-at-home defenders. His offensive production at Boston College never popped either, with just 38 points in 146 career NCAA games.

Still, scouts note that his mobility, defensive positioning, and physical edge stood out, particularly in his later seasons. He earned a reputation as a reliable, difficult defender to play against.

"He may not light up the scoreboard, but he plays hard minutes and makes it tough on opponents,"

For Dallas, this move is about adding depth and potential to a system that has already produced steady NHL defenders in recent years. As Pro Hockey Rumors explained, Hreschuk will need a strong AHL season in Cedar Park if he wants to earn an NHL contract down the road.

With 15 defensemen already under NHL deals, he'll have to stand out in Texas before the Stars consider him a true call-up option.

Personally, I think giving him a chance in the AHL makes sense. Dallas has the luxury of patience, and sometimes late bloomers can surprise you when the right system is in place.