The Dallas Stars entered the 2025 NHL Draft without a first or second-round pick, a consequence of trades made to bolster their roster for a Stanley Cup run. Despite this, General Manager Jim Nill, fresh off winning his third consecutive GM of the Year award, and Director of Amateur Scouting Joe McDonnell aimed to add valuable pieces to the team's prospect pool. The Stars made a total of six selections over the two-day draft.
Here's a look at each of the Dallas Stars' 2025 draft picks:
Round 3, Pick 94: Cameron Schmidt, Right Wing
The Stars kicked off their draft by selecting Cameron Schmidt from the Vancouver Giants of the WHL. Schmidt, an Edmonton native, is known for his offensive capabilities, having scored 40 goals and 38 assists in 61 games. Despite his smaller stature (5-foot-8, 160 pounds), Schmidt is praised for his speed, explosiveness, and hockey sense. He also represented Canada at the U18 World Junior Championship and Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Some scouts had Schmidt ranked as a first-round talent, making his availability in the third round a potential steal for the Stars. His coach Manny Viveiros praised Schmidt's strength and power, despite his size. Scouts note his quick release on both his forehand and backhand, and his knack for being in the right place at the right time. * Round 4, Pick 126: Brandon Gorzynski, Left Wing
With their fourth-round pick, the Stars selected Brandon Gorzynski from the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound winger is known for his high-energy and physical play. In 68 games, Gorzynski recorded 17 goals and 25 assists with a plus/minus rating of +27. He also added 4 goals and 4 assists in 11 playoff games. * Round 5, Pick 146: Atte Joki, Center
The Stars picked Finnish center Atte Joki from Lukko U20. Joki, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds, posted 15 goals and 17 assists in 40 games. He also played for Finland at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Joki is a high-IQ player with good vision and scoring ability. * Round 5, Pick 158: Måns Goos, Goaltender
Dallas selected Swedish goaltender Måns Goos from Färjestad BK J20. Goos, an 18-year-old native of Västerås, posted an 11-12-0 record with a 3.17 goals-against average and .893 save percentage. Goos also represented Sweden at the U18 International Juniors. At 6'6", Goos is a massive presence in the net. * Round 6, Pick 190: Dawson Sharkey, Right Wing
Dawson Sharkey from the Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL) was the Stars' sixth-round pick. The 6-foot-1, 188-pound winger had 22 goals and 17 assists in 54 games. * Round 7, Pick 222: Charlie Paquette, Right Wing
To conclude their draft, the Stars selected Charlie Paquette from the Guelph Storm in the OHL. Paquette, an alternate captain for the Storm, had 37 goals and 33 assists in 68 games. He's listed as 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, making him one of the heavier players in the OHL.
With the Stars still in their Stanley Cup window, there is no immediate pressure for these draftees to make the NHL roster. This allows them time to develop in their respective leagues and hone their skills. Several of the Stars' top prospects are expected to become full-time NHL players in the near future. The organization has a knack for finding value outside of the first round, with players like Logan Stankoven and Roope Hintz being prime examples. General Manager Jim Nill has a history of finding talent later in the draft.
