The Stars swapped out wingers on Tuesday, leaving Valeri Nichushkin (groin/hip) in Dallas for tonight’s game against Columbus while recalling Curtis McKenzie from AHL Texas.
Nichushkin, 19, was hampered by the injury for his first two games of the season, reflected in his numbers -- no goals, no assists, a minus-1 rating and just one shot on goal while averaging 12:43 TOI per game. That opened the door for McKenzie, who has yet to make his NHL debut but proved a vital contributor during AHL Texas’ Calder Cup championship last season.
McKenzie, 23, won the Dudley “Red” Garrett Memorial Award for the AHL’s most outstanding rookie after leading all firs-year players with 27 goals and 65 points. McKenzie then proceeded to add 14 points in 21 playoff games.
It’s unlikely McKenzie draws in tonight, but he could debut on Thursday when the Stars take on the Penguins in Pittsburgh.
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