Stars' Janmark shocks everyone -- including himself -- by making Dallas roster
When 22-year-old Mattias Janmark came over to the United States from Sweden in the fall, he said his focus was more on getting used to North American hockey and experiencing life as a pro than it was on making the Stars. But much to everyone's surprise, Janmark earned himself a longer trip to Dallas than originally planned when the Stars announced Tuesday that Janmark made the roster.
"The last month has been part of a process," Janmark told the Stars' website. "Every week you felt closer and closer, and you are trying so hard to make the team, you don’t think about how big it is. If you asked me a month ago, I would be more shocked than yesterday. It was a big day, but I don’t think it has sunk in yet. I am sure it will."
Janmark made an initial good impression on Stars' brass at the Traverse City Tournament in early September, posting six points (two goals, four assists) in four games. Janmark added two goals to his total during preseason games as he proved his quality of play on the ice is worthy of a role in Dallas.
The 22-year-old was originally selected in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, but he had his rights traded to the Stars last season in a deal for Erik Cole. The majority of Janmark's hockey experience over the past few years has been in Sweden, but he does have one game -- an AHL playoff game with the Texas Stars -- on his resume.
Janmark clearly will have to adjust to life in the NHL, but given how quickly he rose up on the depth charts in camps, it looks like Janmark should fit in easily with Dallas.
(h/t Dallas Stars)
