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Coming into the 2020-21 season, Dallas Stars head coach Rick Bowness knew how important depth would be this season.
With the Stars having to postpone their first 3 games of the season with 17 players on the Covid list, it opened up opportunities for other players to make the roster. Young center Ty Dellandrea took advantage of a massive opportunity and the Stars have been reaping the rewards.
First NHL call up
When the season finally started for the Stars it started off with a win, and in no small part from Ty Dellandrea. Their first round draft pick in 2018, Ty Dellandrea had been with the organization since the bubble last summer. He only played in the exhibition match against the Nashville Predators.
His 2020-21 season so far
Through his first 5 games this season, Dellandrea has been one of the Stars’ better forwards.
While taking on immense responsibility early on in his young career. Dellandrea has taken some important minutes for the Stars on special teams. He has been an important penalty killer and a reliable net front presence on the second power play unit.
His first career NHL goal
Dellandrea only has 2 points so far this year but that hasn’t stopped his impact from being felt. Against the Red Wings on January 28th, he scored a memorable first goal as a part of a two point night for the young forward.
His goal was scored from an other worldly pass from defenseman Miro Heiskanen, but Dellandrea skated towards the net and had an easy tap in for his first career goal. Capping it off with a joyous leap into Heiskanen to celebrate his first goal.
His skillset
Dellandrea embodies the team identity of being physical and aggressive. Dellandrea isn’t the biggest guy around, only being 6’1″ and 190 lbs. However, he has shown he can handle an immense load. He has played 5 games for the Stars, averaging fifteen minutes and 9 seconds of ice time in those games.
Stars head coach Rick Bowness has been careful in the past with how he utilizes his younger players. He gave them more sheltered minutes like with with forwards Roope Hintz, and Denis Gurianov last year. Dellandrea hasn’t been on such a controlled leash minutes wise, and he is proving the coaches right out on the ice.
Dellandrea’s biggest asset to the Stars has been his versatility. Dellandrea has centered lines with fellow newcomers Jason Robertson, and Nicholas Caamano. As well as playing both right and left wing. With Stars having not fielded the same lineup twice due to injuries and the health and safety protocols, his versatility has been a welcome addition to the lineup each night.
Final thoughts
While Dellandrea has been a welcome addition to the Dallas Stars lineup, he does still have some more to work on.
His physical ability is a concern since he still is only 20 years old and with a thin build, the physicality in this condensed season can add up quickly. The Stars have relied on him more and more as of late to help get things rolling on the ice.
