Dallas, TX (AP) - The Dallas Stars were quite busy at the 2007 OTHL Entry Draft, walking into it with 2 first round picks, and walking out with 4. The day saw the Stars swing deals with Florida, Philadelphia and 2 deals with Buffalo, to secure a bright future for the Stars.
The Stars first 1st round pick came at number 9, when they took Red Deer, Alberta native, Brandon Sutter.
"We picked Brandon, because we felt he was the best offenisve player still in the draft at the time we picked." said Stars GM Sean Hughes. "He'll defintely help our club for years to come."
Dallas only got a short break until there next pick, which was at number 11. With it, they took defenseman Thomas Hickey. "We were surprised he was avalible at that point!" continued Hughes. "With (A.J.) Thelen, (Denis) Grebeshkov, (Marc-Andre) Gragnani, and now Hickey, I feel that we have one of the best young defensive cores in the game" he added.
The Stars picked again at number 14 taking Logan Couture, and were off until the 21st overall pick, when they traded down with Buffalo, to obtain Max Pacioretty. The Stars have had their eye on the Connecticut product for quite some time, and knew that at the 24th overall pick, he might not have been avalible. "We had a hunch that he would probably go at 22nd or 23rd overall, so we decided to trade down to prevent that and secure him with us." Hughes later added.
A surprising move at the draft day, saw Dallas Stars forward Trent Hunter dealt. Hunter, 28, was set to become a free agent, and the Dallas Stars traded his rights to the Florida Panthers for Florida's 1st and 4th round picks.