Mostly blueliners and some signed to two-way contracts which bodes well for Dallas in my opinion. The list by the end of the week includes Trevor Ludwig (son of retired Star Craig Ludwig who is a commentator in Big D), Maxime Fortunus (Somara’s personal fave), Matt Stephenson, Travis Morin, Greg Rallo and Ray Sawada.
The best surprise was Brad Lukowich joining us officially instead of being on loan from Vancouver. In the middle of last season he was called up by the Canucks which was part of the arrangement; if an AHL team has spare slots for veterans from another franchise, they’re allowed to play so they don’t get rusty or go to Europe. Anyway, Lukowich was eventually sent back down to the Moose where I assume there was an opening. They were later eliminated by the Bulldogs in the playoffs. I could be wrong since ahl.com, nhl.com and the Moose’s site has nothing on him beyond Vancouver.
Well, Vancouver’s loss is our gain especially in light of losing Andrew Hutchinson to Pittsburgh. Lukowich has his name on the Stanley Cup TWICE (Stars ’99, Lightning ’04) and much like Hutch, he brings experience, toughness, grit and offensive prowess to his job as a defenseman. I do expect to lose him to Dallas eventually.
Lastly, we made our final payment toward the season tickets. We’re home free but the countdown to the opener which will be here this time won’t be posted until the tickers on Vegas and Crowded House have passed. Mark October 16 on your calendar though!
Let’s go Stars!