Janmark beats out McKenzie for final spot on Stars roster

After an impressive preseason, Mattias Janmark has extended his stay in Texas by cracking the opening night roster for the Dallas Stars.

"It's no secret that he has been the surprise of the camp," said general manager Jim Nill. "The plan was to give him an exhibition game and if he did okay, give him another one. Six games later he was still playing. He had a very good camp."

The 22-year-old is still under contract with Swedish club, Frolunda, but after recording two goals and 11 shots in six preseason games, Janmark will be preparing for his first NHL game Thursday.

"He's going to start playing here and we're going to see how he keeps going," Nill continued. "If his game keeps growing, and he's getting better and he is on the team then he is on the team. But we'll just play that by ear. But we do have the option of him going back to Sweden."

To make room for Janmark, forward Curtis McKenzie was assigned to the AHL's Texas Stars.