This young player was named the biggest underdog of the season for the Dallas Stars

How the Dallas Stars' 2018 first-round pick became one of the team's most respected underdogs.

Not every first-round pick becomes the face of the franchise.

Some carve out their place in a different way, through hard work, resilience, and being the kind of teammate every coach wants.

That was Ty Dellandrea for the Dallas Stars.

Selected 13th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, Dellandrea didn't walk straight into a starring role. He paid his dues with the Texas Stars in the AHL before earning his NHL call-up.

Even when he wasn't in the lineup every night, his attitude never faltered. As Blackout Dallas noted, Dellandrea was "a mighty underdog," showing the kind of quiet leadership that made him a favorite in the room.

Ty Dellandrea's resilience and impact on the Dallas Stars' culture

Dellandrea's willingness to embrace any role, even as a healthy scratch, earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike.

According to Mike Heika of NHL.com:

"He was always upbeat and cheered on his teammates despite not being in the lineup."

That positive presence didn't go unnoticed by General Manager Jim Nill. Known for putting players in positions to succeed, Nill traded Dellandrea to the San Jose Sharks when it became clear the Stars' system wasn't the best fit for him.

It was a move that aligned with Nill's reputation for fairness and helped Dellandrea land a role where he could contribute every night.

In San Jose, Dellandrea has embraced the challenge of joining a rebuilding team. His work ethic, versatility, and team-first approach have made him just as valuable in the Sharks' locker room as he was in Dallas.

Dellandrea may not have been the flashiest first-round pick, but I think his story is one of the most admirable, a player who gave his all, supported his teammates, and left the Stars' culture better than he found it.