What to Expect from the Texas Stars Offseason

(Credit: Christina Shapiro/Texas Stars)

With the 2014-15 regular season in the rearview, Texas now looks to an offseason that is much longer than they would like. Certainly, it is the longest they've had in three years.

Here's the outline of what you should expect this summer for the timeline.

June 26-27 - NHL Draft
The big story in the NHL Draft is the top two pick drama. Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel will be the top two picks in the draft, both predicted to be game-changing talents. Edmonton and Buffalo have the first two picks.

Dallas picks at 12th. Players in this draft won't show up in the AHL for at least two more years barring any sort of Jack Campbell or Julius Honka situation.

June 30 - Qualifying Offers Due
Restricted free agents on expiring Dallas contracts must be issues qualifying offers by June 30th for Dallas to retain their rights for the coming season. I have a lot of information about this process in the glossary above. Dallas's RFAs for this season include Patrik Nemeth, Jyrki Jokipakka, Jamie Oleksiak, Curtis McKenzie, Ludwig Karlsson, Jack Campbell and Scott Glennie. Not all of those players will get "QOs."

July 1 - Free Agency Begins
The frenzy begins as unrestricted free agents may sign with any club on July 1. You won't see players destined for the AHL signed on the first day, most likely, but you will probably see them within a few days of that starting gun. Dallas UFAs include Cameron Gaunce. All of Texas' AHL-only contracts are expiring at this time as well (Maxime Fortunus, Derek Meech, Derek Hulak, etc.).

Early July - Development Camp
Players who were drafted in the 2015 Draft and other younger guys will gather in Frisco for the first organized activity of the new season. Mostly this is skills work and practices with a lot of off-ice strength and nutrition work as well. It's a good chance to see some of the younger guys for the first time, but the only real 'game' style action is a scrimmage on the final day. Julius Honka will be attending.

September 11-15 - Traverse City
Traverse City, Michigan, becomes a hub of the hockey world in September as eight teams, including Dallas, send their prospects to the northern Michigan city to play a quick tournament. Derek Laxdal coached the prospects last year. If you can go, it's a great chance to rub elbows with the bigshots of the hockey world in the stands.

Late September - Training Camp in Cedar Park
While dates have yet to be announced, we know that the Dallas Stars will open training camp ofr the 2015-16 year in Cedar Park in late September. At that point, the season will be underway...