Esa Lindell and Julius Honka Recalled to Dallas Stars

Julius Honka (Credit: Christina Shapiro/Texas Stars)

Dallas is shaking things up on defense after their recent struggles. As was surely expected in the short term, Esa Lindell was recalled to Dallas after a tune up stint in Texas. The unexpected move today was the recall of Julius Honka. It was his first NHL recall. Given the Dallas defensive issues, he may well play his first NHL game Monday.

Here's the release:

Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the club has recalled defensemen Esa Lindell and Julius Honka from the Texas Stars, Dallas' top development affiliate in the American Hockey League, and placed defenseman Johnny Oduya on Injured Reserve.

Lindell, 22, has tallied one assist (0-1=1), 15 hits and 14 blocked shots in 10 games with Dallas this season. He appeared in two games for Texas, posting one point (0-1=1) and a +3 plus/minus rating.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound native of Vantaa, Finland was originally selected by Dallas in the third round (74th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft.

Honka, 20, is currently tied for fourth amongst AHL defenseman with 12 points (3-9=12) in 16 games played for Texas. Amongst team leaders, he is fourth in points and first amongst defensemen. His 37 penalty minutes lead the team and are fifth-most amongst AHL defensemen.

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound native of Jyvaskyla, Finland was originally selected by Dallas in the first round (14th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.