Why this former first-rounder could end up being a bust for the Dallas Stars

The Stars took Bertucci in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft, projecting him as a modern two-way defender with mobility, puck skills, and hockey IQ.

He logged heavy minutes with the Flint Firebirds in the OHL, and early on the expectation was that his game would evolve quickly enough to earn him an NHL contract. Scouts liked his poise with the puck, his ability to read plays under pressure, and his skating stride.

But as the 2024-25 season ended, the breakthrough never came. Now, with Dallas building a strong crop of defense prospects, the conversation has shifted from «when» Bertucci will sign to «if» he'll sign at all.

Bertucci's development has stalled at a crucial stage. His offensive game didn't take the expected leap in Flint, and what once looked like composure now sometimes comes across as hesitation. Scouts who praised his calmness now worry that his reads aren't sharp enough to translate to the NHL.

Dallas also has more defensive depth than it did two years ago. Lian Bichsel is already pushing for a full-time NHL role, while Artem Grushnikov, Christian Kyrou, and Gavin White continue to develop. That leaves Bertucci fighting for a spot in an increasingly crowded pipeline.

As NHL.com's prospect tracker confirmed, Dallas has yet to sign him to an entry-level deal. One scout told The Hockey News:

That doesn't mean the door is closed. Bertucci still moves well, has flashes of puck-moving ability, and could force his way back into the conversation with a strong OHL season. But right now, he no longer looks like a top priority in the Stars' plans.

Personally, I hope he can turn things around. There's still enough upside in his game to believe he could surprise, but the window to prove it is getting smaller.