Analyzing the Texas Stars ATO Class That Would Have Been

Ty Dellandrea (Credit: Texas Stars)

Were the season still going right now, we would be in the midst of ATO season. Players from college and juniors alike, as well as some European leaguers, would be filtering into the AHL to bolster rosters and get valuable experience before their first professional season.

But, it is not to be.

Nonetheless, we can discuss the dynamics of the ATOs that Dallas would have been looking at this season. As Dallas brought in so many rookies to Texas this season, there actually weren't a ton of potential ATOs out there.

The headliner ATOs came up at the trade deadline when Dallas sent Emil Djuse away for no immediate return to Texas. Jim Nill mentioned at that time that Thomas Harley and Dawson Barteaux would be coming to join the fray soon enough. But both were poised for long playoff runs in major junior and wouldn't make it to Texas until after the playoff push was done, if everything went to plan. Even Ty Dellandrea was unexpectedly in playoff position in Flint and unlikely to come to Texas on an ATO.

The likely end of the regular season means that Ty Dellandrea will probably never suit up for Texas again, heading straight to the NHL next season. Harley may come to Texas on an ATO next season, if things align and his junior team ends their season before Texas ends theirs. Otherwise, he may be heading straight to Dallas as well.

Jerad Rosburg was the de facto required Michigan college addition to the Texas roster. He only got into two games before the season was suspended but scored his first pro goal and added an assist in his first game out. We could have expected a couple more ATOs that would not be Dallas ELCs as well if Scott White's track record is anything to go off of.

Now, it's all on hold.