This overlooked youngster could be the Stars' biggest story by 2026

Dallas Stars prospect Cameron Schmidt emerging as one of the most exciting young forwards to watch.

The Dallas Stars may have struck gold again in the 2025 NHL Draft, this time with third-round pick Cameron Schmidt.

While he didn't come into the league as a top-ten selection, Schmidt is already proving he could be one of the biggest steals of his draft class.

The 18-year-old winger impressed with 40 goals and 78 points in 61 games last season with the WHL's Vancouver Giants, flashing the kind of offensive upside that has scouts rethinking where he should have been picked.

Why Cameron Schmidt's style of play makes him a perfect fit for the Dallas Stars

At 5-foot-8, Schmidt doesn't have the size of some of his peers, but what he lacks in height he makes up for with speed, strength, and determination. His ability to attack the net, battle in tight spaces, and explode through defenders has already drawn comparisons to other "smaller" Dallas success stories like Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston, and Logan Stankoven.

During the Stars' development camp, Schmidt earned high marks for his intensity and hockey IQ. Vancouver head coach Manny Viveiros even described him as one of the team's most powerful players despite his size, a sign that his game won't be limited by physical matchups as he moves up the ladder.

As NHL.com recently noted, Schmidt is already turning heads as a potential draft-day steal. Fans have echoed that sentiment, with outlets like Blackout Dallas highlighting his upside and calling him one of the smartest picks of 2025.

If Schmidt adapts quickly in the AHL this season, I think he could accelerate his timeline and strengthen the Stars' forward group even sooner than expected.

For an organization that has turned "projects" into stars before, Cameron Schmidt may already be their next hidden gem.