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Dallas Stars News
Evgeny Dadonov, starting his second full season with the Panthers, may be the odd man out at least early on.

With all the recent signings in Florida, it appears Dadonov is the odd man out. Last season he scored eight goals and 17 points through 36 games at age 21. He should rotate back into the lineup at some point this year.

Evgenii Dadonov
Benoit Pouliot/Jordan Caron-Chris Kelly-Tyler Seguin

Seguin was expected to break out during his second NHL season but may experience some more growing pains on the third line. Last season he scored only 11 goals and 22 points through 74 games but broke out during the postseason. Expect a slight improvement on those totals.

Tyler Seguin
Stars forwards Jamie Benn and Adam Burish, who are out with groin injuries, did not participate in the game. Both players watched the game from the stands.

Neither player participated but both would have played if it were a playoff game. Benn scored 22 goals and 56 points in only his second NHL season. He will be relied on to help anchor the second line this season and should play alongside sniper Loui Eriksson.

Jamie Benn
"They're closer," said Gulutzan. "If this were regular season Benny would probably jump in, but Burish couldn't. Then again, we're in that same thing - why do it. We'll give them a couple more days."

Sounds like the second-line pivot will be healthy for the season opener. Benn scored 22 goals and 56 points in only his second NHL season. He will be relied on to help anchor the second line this season and should play alongside sniper Loui Eriksson.

Jamie Benn
DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith has been suspended for the remainder of the preseason and five regular season games by the NHL for his shoulder check to the head of Chicago Blackhawks forward Ben Smith in Wednesday's preseason game at the United Center.

Smith was not expected to make the team unless the Brad Stuart injury prevented him from staying in the lineup. The former 27th overall pick scored 12 goals and 32 points over 63 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL. He probably is close to NHL ready as he remains the team's top prospect.

Brendan Smith
That means bubble players such as Shawn Matthias, Evgeny Dadonov are safe for now.

The Chelyabinsk, Russia has surprised since coming to North America and could have solidified his role with the big club. Last season he managed to score eight goals and 17 points through 36 games, showing signs of a breakout campaign. While he should start the season on the third line, expect him to see valuable offensive minutes down the road.

Evgenii Dadonov
Smith, however, will be recalled only when he can be in the Red Wings’ lineup. The club isn’t going to bring him up just to be a healthy scratch as the seventh defenseman.

As the team's top prospect, Smith will continue to play as much as possible. Last season, as a first year pro, the Mimico, ONT native produced 12 goals and 32 points through 63 games for the Grand Rapid Griffins. Look for him to continue developing his game at the AHL level, gaining a callup with any significant injuries.

Brendan Smith
Also, Jamie Benn (groin) and Adam Burish (groin) skated on their own while the non-game group practiced this morning.

Benn skated for a second consecutive day which is an encouraging sign. Last season, Benn scored 22 goals and 56 points in only his second NHL season. He will be relied on to help anchor the second line this season and should play alongside leading scorer Loui Eriksson.

Jamie Benn
Here are a few notes from Monday's practice in Frisco. The Stars have added Jamie Benn and Adam Burish to the list of players they are being cautious with right now. Those two players have sore groins.

The Stars will be careful with their prized young forward. Last season, Benn scored 22 goals and 56 points in only his second NHL season. He will be relied on to help anchor the second line this season and should play alongside leading scorer Loui Eriksson.

Jamie Benn
Defenseman Alexander Petrovic, 19, was sent back to his junior team in Red Deer, Alberta, after Thursday's practice. The 36th overall pick in 2010, Petrovic had an outstanding season last year and is considered one of Florida's top prospects.

Petrovic will play one more season in Juniors and then be reevaluated. At age 19 the blueliner scored seven goals and 57 points in only 69 games with the Red Deer Rebels. He should have a bright future ahead of him.

Alex Petrovic