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NHL Rankings: 5 Western Conference Calder Candidates

By Matt Barbato
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Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Denis Gurianov poses with team executives after being selected as the number twelve overall pick to the Dallas Stars in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

5. Denis Gurianov, Dallas Stars

(Editor’s note: Last name is also listed as “Guryanov” by some reputable outlets.)

The 12th overall pick in the draft has a chance to excel right away with an already loaded front six in Dallas. Gurianov will also have the opportunity to fly under the radar with forwards Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Patrick Sharp taking up most of the attention from opponents.

The right winger is a skilled power forward who has great goal-scoring ability for his 6-foot-3 frame. Here’s what NHL Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb had to say about Gurianov:

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“A dynamic goal scorer who is full of surprises, he is a strong, tough power forward who goes hard to the net using his physical strength and size. He protects the puck well, is difficult to stop when at full speed and always tries to use his strong shot.”

Gurianov has the speed, strength and talent to become a star in the NHL. The Stars might not have needed to take another forward given their defensive woes, but if Gurianov can earn a spot inside Dallas’s first two lines, he could be in store for an excellent season.

Next: No. 4: Timo Meier

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