Young defenseman Esa Lindell is back in the American Hockey League after a four-game stint with the Dallas Stars, the result of a roster move Stars general manager Jim Nill announced on Tuesday.
Lindell returns to the Stars’ top developmental affiliate, the Texas Stars, where he’s tied for the team lead for goals by a defenseman with seven and is second among defensemen in points with 25. He didn’t record a point in his four games with the big club, but said his first NHL experience was invaluable.
"It has been good for me, I have learned a lot," Lindell said, per Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News. "I have seen what it takes to play here. It's a lot different, a lot faster. It's a good chance to see this game."
Stars coach Lindy Ruff agrees with Lindell, who is widely regarded as one of the Stars top prospects, in thinking that even such a short stint at the NHL level can be huge to the development of a young player.
"I think it gives you an understanding of what you need to do to stay," Ruff said. "It gives you an opportunity to take a look. If you go back down, you definitely know what you're going to need to work on, because there's a pace change from that level to this level."
