Despite drafting so low in the NHL entry draft for the past several years (ah the downside of being so damn good) the Stars have done a remarkable job drafting talent. Players like Brenden Morrow, Niko Kapanen, and John Erskine come to mind. All players who have already made an impact at the NHL level. While there are few skill players in the system, the Stars have many solid two-way forwards and defensive defensemen. While not the most exciting to watch these types of players form the backbone of any strong team. Here is a listing of the prospects in order of the most talented.
D Trevor Daley- The most skilled defensemen in the Stars system, he was drafted in the second round of the 2002 entry draft. He was voted the best and fastest skater by coaches in the OHL (the junior league he played for). He can fly and has great offensive talent. He is an excellent passer and very capable of running the point on the power-play. He accumulated 20 goals and 33 assists in 57 games in the OHL. He will likely spend this year in the minors, but has a strong chance of making the roster next year with the probable departure of skilled defenseman Teppo Numminen.
G Jason Bacashihua- The best goalie in the Stars system, he was drafted in the first round in the 2001 entry draft. The Stars have a knack for drafting quality goaltenders late in rounds, and this tradition has not declined. Just think that the Stars lost Roman Turek and Manny Fernandez (both accomplished starting goaltenders) to expansion drafts and they still had Marty Turco and Jason Bacashihua still in the system. Bacashihua has great reflexes and excellent lateral mobility. He is sometimes inconsistent but always at top form for "big-games".
C Joel Lundqvist- A talented all-around player, he was drafted in the third round of the NHL entry draft. He has very good all around skills, skating, passing, and shooting. Despite being from Europe, Lundqvist has a mean-streak and not only doesn't shy away from physical play, but initiates it. He also has good hockey sense.
LW Jussi Jokinen- A Finnish goal-scorer, Jokinen was drafted in the sixth round of the entry draft. He has a very good shot and very good hands. He also has underatted playmaking abilities. He is an excellent skater and is strong on the puck.
D Martin Vagner- Drafted in the first round of the 2002 entry draft. He is a solid all-around offensive defensemen. He has a good shot, good playmaking abilities, good skating, and good smarts. He is a solid body checker although some think he may not be mean enough to play well at the NHL level.
LW/RW Mathias Tjarnqvist- A potential third or fourth liner, Tjarnqvist was drafted in the third round of the entry draft. He is a solid two-way player that can play both the power play and penalty kill. He does not shy away from physical play and will readily go to the net to score.
C/LW David Bararuk- Drafted in the fith round of the 2002 entry draft, Bararuk is a potential late bloomer. He is a highly talented playmaker with a good scoring touch to boot. He recorded a team-leading 93 points in 66 games for his junior team. He won the team's MVP. He is not very big, but he still has room to grow so his size should fill out. He also needs work on his defensive game.