The challenge ahead for Logan Stankoven

Going back to junior hockey was a good thing for Logan Stankoven.

He had another great year statistically, with 97 points (34 goals, 63 assists) in 48 regular-season games, and then played in the Memorial Cup in his hometown of Kamloops, B.C., making a life-long memory.

"That was really special just to finish it off in my hometown," said Stankoven, a 20-year-old Stars prospect. "It was a cool experience. It would have been nice to win a couple of more games, but that's what happens."

Stankoven's Kamloops Blazers were the host team, so they earned an automatic berth in the four-team tournament. Kamloops lost in overtime to Peterborough in the tie-breaker round, so the ending was bittersweet, but for Stankoven to have a final year like that was fantastic for himself, his teammates, and his family.

The only problem is it does delay the start of his NHL career. While fellow 2021 draft pick Wyatt Johnston earned a spot on the roster and ended up scoring 24 goals in 82 games, Stankoven grew in a different way. Now, the Stars team he is returning to is also different, which could push his dream back even further.

Dallas acquired Matt Duchene, Sam Steel, and Craig Smith in the offseason, and the three veterans are expected to be key forwards in the opening night lineup. That means there's not a lot of room for rookies on the roster to start this season, so Stankoven will have to work that much harder.

"I don't control who they sign, and at the end of the day it's what I can do on the ice, and off the ice as a good person," said Stankoven. "It will just make me compete harder to try to make it hard for the coaches to send me home."

And that's part of the strategy. Last season was unique for the Stars because a rule in the CHL prevents underage players from playing in the AHL. That means a 19-year-old needs to make the roster and stay on the team to get the full benefit of their first season on a pro contract. That rule allowed the Stars to be patient with Johnston, and the strategy worked out perfectly. But while it's easy to say they can now do something similar with Stankoven (put him on a top line and let him live with a veteran player), the decision isn't quite so simple. Stankoven can now play in the minors, and that's the path a lot of good, young, skilled players have taken.

Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, and Ty Dellandrea are all forwards who made big steps in the minors. Defenseman Thomas Harley was in his third year in the AHL before coming up and playing a major role in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Stars GM Jim Nill likes to "overcook" his prospects, so having Stankoven start the year in the AHL isn't a real problem for the Stars front office.

"Training camp and exhibition games, this all works itself out," Nill said. "We think competition is good. We're looking forward to training camp. There's going to be great competition."

Stankoven understands that, and he gets a head start on everyone else. He will again participate in the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan before camp even starts. He played five preseason games last year, so he knows the coaching staff, and he's been a significant prospect, so he knows the development staff. He's in a great place when it comes to making a run at the NHL.

"If you're ready, then we'll make room for you," said Rich Peverley, the Stars Director of Player Personnel. "But it doesn't hurt guys to go down and earn their stripes. It's a big jump from the junior league to the American Hockey League, and you're talking a bigger jump to get from there to the NHL. It's a process, and earning it is very important."

Texas Stars coach Neil Graham said simply learning to be a pro hockey player is like taking your first job out of college.

"You need an American cell phone, an American bank account, you should have some stuff set up with your social security," Graham said. "These are all things that get sorted out, but your job is to focus on being the best hockey player you can be and contribute at the NHL or AHL level. There are outside influences and distractions."

Johnston received a great boost by living with veteran Joe Pavelski and his family. Junior players often live with "billets," and Pavelski provided that. The fact Stankoven lived in his hometown means the transition could be a little more challenging. Nonetheless, the fact that Johnston succeeded as a 19-year-old has to give Stankoven some confidence.

"I think it makes you feel a little bit more confident in your abilities," Stankoven said. "Obviously, Wyatt's a special player and had a great season. Paid close attention to him and the things he was doing right to develop consistency."

Peverley said being aware is good, but you also have to stay focused on yourself.

"Not everybody has the same path, and that's a big lesson that these players have to learn," Peverley said. "You've got to worry about yourself, don't worry about the external noise. Just be the best player you can be."

Stankoven will have his own issues. He's on the small side, listed at 5' 7", 170. His quickness and intelligence helped him excel in junior hockey, but the challenge to play against bigger players in the pros will be significant. He said he's hoping he can continue to find ways to make use of his size and speed, but he also knows he has to get stronger.

"There's pros and cons to being a smaller guy," he said. "Getting in and out of spaces, the first couple of steps are maybe quicker. The physics part of the game, strength in the corners, that's what I'm going to be working on this summer."

He said he feels he's a more complete player after last season. He has improved his playmaking, he sees the game better, and he said he was able to gain perspective. That could be the most important aspect for him this season.

"I think just being patient," he said. "Sometimes the goals and the points and everything that you want may not come right away, so I think you have to grind through it and put your time in."

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.

Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.