Player Profile: Sam Steel

Sam Steel

Position: Center

Height: 5' 11"

Weight: 184

Age: 25

Shoots: Left

Salary: One year at $850,000

Did You Know: Steel finished fifth in scoring at the 2018 World Juniors with 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists) in seven games, helping Canada win the gold medal. He was drafted 30th overall by Anaheim in 2016 and had 201 points in 138 games in his last two seasons with Regina.

Last Season: After signing a one-year free agent contract with Minnesota, Steel was a solid contributor. He had 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 65 games and averaged 14:58 in time on ice. While his ending numbers were good, Steel had a roller coaster ride in his one season with the Wild, as he spent time on the top line and was a healthy scratch. He dealt with some injuries and illness but was seen as a lineup regular. Steel finished fourth on the team in SAT (shot differential at even strength) at plus 52.3 percent. He took the third most faceoffs on the Wild with 633 and won 48.7 percent of his draws. He played in five playoff games (all against the Stars), tallying a goal and an assist while averaging 15:35 in time on ice.

Looking Forward: Steel is an interesting place in his career. He was an outstanding player in junior hockey and a first-round pick of the Ducks. However, after four seasons, the Anaheim decided to not send a qualifying offer, thus turning Steel into an unrestricted free agent. He signed a one-year deal with Minnesota, but the Wild chose to not extend his contract, so the Stars signed him to a one-year deal. Last season was a "fresh start" for Steel, and he took advantage by earning minutes on the top line. He had solid numbers in puck possession and finished plus-11. So, what happens this year? Yet gain he'll have to adjust and find his place. Could he jump up and play beside players like Jason Robertson if need be? Sure. Could he be a good fit on a line with Tyler Seguin or Matt Duchene? Yes. The problem is, that's also true for players like Ty Dellandrea, Evgenii Dadonov and Craig Smith. In signing three forwards as free agents this summer, the Stars created a bit of a logjam. They also have some talented prospects knocking on the door, and players like Logan Stankoven or Mavrik Bourque could push for ice time when injuries present opportunities. Steel will have to fight for his chances, and he understands that. On the bright side, if he's battling to be the 12th forward, the Stars should have tremendous depth.

He Said It: "I think I can play anywhere in the lineup," Steel said. "It's something I've been trying to learn and get better at throughout my career, to be able to play any role and try to contribute in any way."

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.

Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.