Dallas Stars' Fantasy Prospect Report

It's hard to build up young talent in an organization without first-round draft picks, and that's the situation the Dallas Stars faced this spring.

In fact, the Stars didn't make a selection until the 60th pick overall, when they added goaltender Tyler Beskorowany from the Owen Sound Attack.

It was the second consecutive season that Dallas did not have a first round selection. The last time the club made a first-round selection was in 2006, when they made defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy the 27th-overall pick.

The Stars have tried to address the lack of top-level prospects by signing a couple of top European prospects, most notably winger Fabian Brunnstrom. And while the young talent in the Dallas system may not rival that of the Chicago Blackhawks or Columbus Blue Jackets, they have done a credible job identifying talent in the later rounds.

Here are the Fantasy Hockey Network's choices for the top five fantasy prospects in the Dallas Stars' organization:

1. Fabian Brunnstrom, RW

The 23-year old is still a mystery to most hockey observers in North America.

One of the top young players in the Swedish Elite League in 2007-08, many scouts compare his skill set to that of Daniel Alfredsson. The winger has good size (6'1”, 203 lbs.), blazing speed, and great hands—all the attributes required to be a true NHL sniper.

He still needs a little time to develop, but he's almost certain to land a spot on one of Dallas' top two lines in 2008-09, probably next to superstar center Brad Richards.

If that happens, Brunnstrom's North American debut could be highly successful. If everything falls into place, a Calder Trophy nomination is not out of the question.

So while the jury is still out on whether he's the next Swedish superstar or just another solid European player with offensive skills, Brunnstrom is certainly one to watch this season.

2. James Neal, LW

Despite a slow start with Iowa in the AHL last season, Neal rebounded with 25 points in his last 30 games to reclaim his position as one of Dallas' top prospects.

The 6'2”, 185-lb. forward plays a tough, bruising style, reminiscent of current Stars' captain Brenden Morrow. He also possesses a hard accurate shot and great passing skills, making him a serious threat in the offensive end. Add in natural leadership abilities, and it's not hard to see why the Dallas brass is so high on the 2007 World Junior gold medalist.

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