Last season's No. 12-ranked prospect pool saw the Dallas Stars drop seven spots in this year's edition.

But they don't mind. It's not because their prospects have regressed; quite the opposite. It's because Wyatt Johnston exceeded expectations, making the transition to the NHL appear effortless, while Nils Lundkvist became a full-time player, even if his impact was occasionally inconsistent.

The Stars have a distinct preference for high-paced, intelligent players who excel in terms of positioning, timing, and passing. They certainly don't shy away from smaller players or those with average skating abilities.

As a result, the Stars have cultivated a prospect pool that outperforms its draft capital. It's highlighted by three top-100 prospects and a compelling mix of depth contributors and high-upside prospects. {{