Expected End of Season Additions to the Stars' Roster

Devin Shore (Credit: Christina Shapiro/Texas Stars)

It's March, which means the steady influx of players from college, Europe and major junior has begun in the AHL. Devin Shore was the first to join this season for Texas followed by Ludwig Bystrom last night. There are a few others soon to join. Here's a breakdown of some of the players mentioned by Texas GM Scott White as possibilities and the two who've already joined.

College

Devin Shore (C, Maine)

Maine's captain made his way to Texas last week and has already played in three games. Coach Laxdal said he clearly 'a player' for this team. He was slated to play on the 2nd power play unit this weekend after Julius Honka got injured on Wednesday. Laxdal liked what Cameron Gaunce brought in that role, so the blue liner might have earned some time there.

Europe

Ludwig Bystrom (D, Farjestad)

Bystrom came to Texas briefly last year but did not play in any playoff games. He was officially assigned to Texas on Saturday and had his first North American game last night. Bystrom might have stayed in Texas this year all season if the blue line hadn't been so jammed up. Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and having him here might have been a good call after seeing injuries and waiver claims eat away at that depth.

Esa Lindell (D, Assat Pori)

Lindell is a Finn who played in the Finnish SM-liiga this season. He piled up 35 points in 57 games. This was his first year entirely in the top Finnish league and not split with the second league in any way. He was the top scoring defenseman in Liiga this year.

Assat played its last regular season game on Thursday but is on its way to the Liiga playoffs though, so Lindell may still be a while. Assat is part of the four-team playoff between the teams ranked 7-10 to get into the quarter-finals against the clubs 1-6. Pretty cool little way to setup the postseason. They were eliminated on Sunday, and Lindell is eligible to be reassigned.

WHL

Cole Ully (LW, Kamloops)

Cole Ully's Blazers are right on the playoff line in the WHL. Currently ranked 9th, they are tied with the eighth place squad with only a handful of games to go. If they miss, the last regular season game is March 21.

Scott White indicated Ully would come to Cedar Park to "see how to be a pro," but may not get playing time.

OHL

Jason Dickinson (C, Guelph)

Jason Dickinson was the draft pick that Dallas received in return for Jaromir Jagr. It's turned out pretty well for them as Dickinson appears to have top-six center written all over him from the early prognostication. He has 67 points in 52 games with the Guelph Storm in this, his fourth season in the OHL.

The Storm have secured a playoff spot and look like they will have home ice advantage in the first round as well. It's unlikely we'll see Dickinson too soon in Texas.

Remi Elie (LW, Erie)

Remi Elie is a lucky guy. He just so happened to be on same squad as the most anticipated player since Crosby, Connor McDavid. Elie's Erie Otters have clinched their division and will likely go deep in the playoffs. For both Elie and Dickinson, the OHL playoffs experience is probably better for them than the AHL black ace experience.

QMJHL

Philippe Desrosiers (G, Rimouski)

I'm including Desrosiers for completeness, but I don't think he'll make an appearance in Texas this season. His club, Rimouski, is the top team in the QMJHL and should make a deep run with Desrosiers in net. That's best for his development at this point.