Dallas Stars score extra first-round draft pick with Ducks’ win

NHL insider Mark Spector says Ken Hitchcock returning to Dallas is perfect for both parties, because the pieces are already there for a return to form for the Stars franchise.

The Dallas Stars‘ 2017 draft fortunes got even sweeter late Wednesday night.

As per a condition of the Stars’ deadline trade of forward Patrick Eaves to the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas has now landed Anaheim’s first-round selection in the 2017 NHL Draft.

Dallas originally traded the bearded winger for a second-round pick. If the Ducks reached the Western Conference final and Eaves played in at least half of their playoff games in the first two rounds, the pick would be upgraded to a first-rounder. Which, of course, is what happened.

“TWO FIRST ROUND PICKS!” tweeted the Stars upon the Ducks’ Game 7 victory.

This marks the second stroke of draft luck for the Stars, who won the third-overall pick in the draft lottery, despite having the eighth-best odds.

Eaves, 33, has been a valuable addition to Anaheim’s top six. He scored 11 goals and 14 points in 20 regular-season games down the stretch and has contributed four points in seven playoff appearances.

Ironically, the Calgary native sat out Wednesday’s pick-deciding game with a lower-body injury and has now missed four straight contests.

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