DALLAS – The Dallas Stars are preparing to face the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, but the conversation surrounding the team continues to center on rookie forward Justin Hryckowian. The 25-year-old has quickly grow a fan favorite, not just for his on-ice performance, but for his willingness to stand up for his teammates, a trait vividly displayed in a recent game against the Edmonton Oilers.
Hryckowian’s emergence as a key player for the Stars is a compelling story of perseverance. Undrafted out of Northeastern University, he signed with Dallas in March 2025 and quickly proved his worth in the AHL, earning AHL Rookie of the Year honors after tallying 60 points in 67 games with the Texas Stars. This season, he’s become a versatile “Swiss Army knife” for coach Glen Gulutzan, contributing in multiple facets of the game, and currently has 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) through 66 games.
The intensity of his recent on-ice actions, however, have thrust him into the national spotlight. During a 7-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, Hryckowian engaged in a physical altercation with Oilers captain Connor McDavid after a puck accidentally shot by Stars teammate Arttu Hyry struck Leon Draisaitl as time expired. The incident sparked a series of confrontations, with Hryckowian facing continued challenges from the Oilers throughout the remainder of the game.
From Undrafted Free Agent to NHL Spotlight
Hryckowian’s path to the NHL wasn’t straightforward. Despite a strong collegiate career at Northeastern, where he was named captain in his final season and earned the Best Defensive Forward title in his conference, he went undrafted in 2023. He signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Stars, beginning in the 2024-25 season, and quickly made an impact.
“If there’s one guy that’s all business all of the time, it’s him,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “His routine hasn’t changed, it’s the same thing every day. It’s a very regimented pregame ritual and that’s how guys like him will themselves into the league and he’s not going to chance that.”
The Stars’ willingness to give Hryckowian an opportunity was partly facilitated by salary cap constraints that led to the departure of players like Mason Marchment, Mikael Granlund, and Evgenii Dadonov over the summer. This created a roster spot that Hryckowian seized, impressing the coaching staff with his dedication and work ethic.
The McDavid Incident and its Aftermath
The confrontation with McDavid, while drawing attention, wasn’t out of character for Hryckowian, according to Gulutzan. “Connor was sticking up for his guy and Ritzy was sticking up for his guy, so I liked it,” the coach said. The incident quickly went viral on social media, with a photo of Hryckowian addressing the Oilers bench with a pointed gesture becoming a popular meme.
Hryckowian himself seemed to take the attention in stride. “It’s been kind of a lot right now,” he said with a smile. “I’m just trying to stay in the moment and play my game.” He acknowledged the increased recognition, even joking about the potential for a portrait of the moment to appear in his locker.
A YouTube video posted six days ago shows highlights of the incident and the Stars’ response, further fueling the discussion surrounding the game.
A Physical Presence and Growing Confidence
Teammate Robertson highlighted Hryckowian’s growing impact on the team, noting his physicality and well-rounded game. “He’s at the center of a lot of the physicality,” Robertson said. “You kind of see how his growth through the season, he’s embracing what he’s doing. Not just doing that (physical) stuff, but the little stuff, faceoffs, PK, even scoring and providing a little bite. It’s a large piece for us as a team.”
Hryckowian understands that his newfound attention will likely bring increased scrutiny from opponents, but he appears prepared for the challenge. “I just want to show up and facilitate this team win,” he said. “That was a big game on national TV. It’s probably done by now…hopefully.”
The Dallas Stars, currently battling for playoff positioning, will need continued contributions from Hryckowian as they navigate the remainder of the season. His ability to balance physicality with skill and his unwavering focus suggest he’s ready to embrace the challenge. The team’s next game against the Colorado Avalanche will be a key test as they continue their push towards the postseason.
Looking Ahead
The Stars will face the Avalanche in Denver on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Game time is set for 8:00 PM MST. Further updates on the team’s lineup and performance will be available on the Dallas Stars official website.
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