Dallas Stars rookie forward Logan Stankoven entered the 2024-25 NHL season with high expectations, following a strong debut where he recorded 14 points in 24 regular-season games and contributed eight points in 19 playoff contests. This performance placed him among the front-runners for the Calder Trophy.
Though his points have been steady this season, much of the attention has focused on his unexpected lack of goals. However, Stankoven showed signs of improvement with two goals in a 4-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.
“It feels good to contribute,” Stankoven said after the game. “I haven’t changed how I play. Maybe tonight I went to the net a little more and got some fortunate bounces, but overall, my approach hasn’t changed. Even when the goals haven’t been coming, I’ve been focused on hunting pucks, playing solid defense, and doing the little things right.”
Stankoven has been a consistent scorer throughout his career. In juniors with the Kamloops Blazers, he had three seasons with over 29 goals and recorded 104 points in 2021-22. In his lone AHL season, he tallied 57 points and 24 goals in 47 games. He even showcased his scoring ability during short stints in the NHL last season. However, opponents have now studied his game more closely, and as a young player, Stankoven has had to adjust. But his past performances suggest it’s only a matter of time before he finds his offensive rhythm again, which might have started in Tuesday’s win.
This resurgence is especially timely for the Stars, who are missing three of their top six forwards due to injuries to Tyler Seguin, Mason Marchment, and Roope Hintz. Stankoven will likely take on an increased role, even though the severity of Hintz’s injury remains uncertain.
“If Roope’s out for a while, Tank will have a bigger role, and we want him feeling good,” said forward Matt Duchene. “Getting those two goals is huge. It doesn’t matter how they come, it helps him feel looser and play better.”
Stankoven’s consistent work ethic and approach have given the coaching staff confidence that he can contribute to Dallas’ success in the Western Conference. Head coach Pete DeBoer described him as “snake-bitten” but emphasized his consistent effort, compete level, and play away from the puck.
Stankoven’s first goal on Tuesday came after a 66-shot drought that spanned 25 games since his last goal on November 14. While his scoring hasn’t met expectations, his recent chemistry with his linemates may signal that a breakout is on the horizon.
The Stars have used various line combinations this season, some for strategic reasons and others due to injuries. Stankoven and fellow rookie Mavrik Bourque were initially expected to play with captain Jamie Benn on the third line, but all three have had to shift between lines, including time in the top six.
Stankoven has remained adaptable to these changes. “When things aren’t going well, Coach is trying to spark the team and experiment with different combinations,” he said. “It doesn’t change my mindset, I just try to bring energy and stay grateful for the chance to play.”
Stankoven and Bourque have been particularly effective together recently, with the two combining for nine points in January. Their growing chemistry has the potential to make Dallas even more formidable.
“We’re starting to find each other more,” Bourque said. “We didn’t play much together today, but in the last few games, we’ve been connecting better. We just need to keep building on that.”
As the season progresses, both rookies have the opportunity to secure spots in the Stars’ top six for the future. Playing more minutes against top competition should benefit them and improve Dallas’ depth when injured players return.
Dallas’ strength lies in its ability to roll three strong lines, and while injuries have disrupted that balance, the current situation gives young players like Stankoven and Bourque a chance to shine.
“We’re built to roll three lines, but with injuries, these young guys have a chance to step up,” Duchene explained. “The changes in line combinations have really sparked them. You can see their growth, and we need it.”
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