Denis Gurianov, Dallas Stars

It wasn’t much more than a year ago that fans in Dallas wondered if Gurianov, who started the 2019-20 season in the minors, would be an NHL bust. Now, he’s the player that led the Stars in regular-season goals, had a four-goal playoff game and posted eight points in his team’s first three series-clinching wins, an NHL rookie record.

Nice numbers. But really, what had collectors buzzing was the overtime goal that clinched the Western Conference championship for the Stars. His one-timer bomb from the hashmarks was clocked at 110 miles per hour by the NHL player tracking.

That was a Hammer of the Gods goal. e sort of goal that can define a career – it’s already being called the second-greatest in Dallas history behind Brett Hull’s 1999 Cup clincher – and can turn a regional star into a national hobby hero.

“He’s the future of this team,” said coach Rick Bowness.

Elite power forward? He’s definitely on the right path. e 12th pick in the loaded 2015 dra has world-class wheels to go along with that blistering shot, and the size (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) to play a heavy, physical game.

e chance to watch him blossom every other night for two months sent collectors scurrying for his key RCs. His

“He’s the future of this team,” said coach Rick Bowness.

2017-18 e Cup RPA (#158) was going for as much as $200, while his unlisted Upper Deck Young Guns (#208) was moving at $20.

Safe to say Gurianov won’t be starting the 2020-21 season in the minors.