Riley Tufte Returns to Texas Stars, Tanner Kero Back in Dallas

(Credit: Andy Nietupski / Texas Stars)

The Dallas Stars recalled forward Tanner Kero from the Texas Stars and reassigned forward Riley Tufte to Texas this afternoon.

Riley Tufte played in two games during his time with Dallas and spent an average of 6:08 on the ice per game. He did not register a shot in those two games but did have two hits and a block.

Before receiving his first callup to Dallas, Tufte was a key player for Texas this season. Even after missing four AHL games during his time in Dallas, Tufte is tied for second in goals on the team with five. Having some NHL experience now in hand, Tufte will likely bring a jolt of energy to the Texas lineup for the team’s upcoming games.

Tanner Kero appeared in three games for Texas after his reassignment to the team last week. In those three games, Kero recorded two assists and 10 shots. Before his placement on NHL waivers and eventual reassignment to Texas, Kero had two assists in seven games for Dallas this season. Now, after his first stint in the AHL since the 2019-20 season, Kero is back in the NHL and will get another chance to work his way into the Dallas lineup.

Here is the official press release:

Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today the team has recalled forward Tanner Kero from the Texas Stars, Dallas' top development affiliate in the American Hockey League. Additionally, the team also reassigned forward Riley Tufte to Texas.

Kero, 29, has logged two assists (0-2=2) in seven games with Dallas this season. He has also registered three hits and three blocked shots on the campaign. In three AHL contests this season, Kero has logged two assists (0-2=2).

The 6-foot, 185-pound native of Hancock, Mich. was originally undrafted and signed with Dallas as a free agent on July 1, 2019.

Tufte, 23, has appeared in two NHL contests with Dallas in 2021-22, logging two hits and one blocked shot. The forward made his NHL debut on Nov. 13 vs. Philadelphia and registered one blocked shot in 4:25 of ice time. In 10 AHL games this season, he has recorded seven points (5-2=7). Tufte is tied for second on Texas with five goals, while he shares sixth on the team in points (7).

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound native of Coon Rapids, Minn., was originally selected by Dallas in the first round (25th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft.