Erik Cole scored his first goal of the season. Cole has been getting playing time on a line with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin so far this season. That line hasn't been terribly productive yet, but if they stick together than it will be a big boost for Cole.

Erik Cole played alongside Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin during a scrimmage on Saturday. Cole is coming off of a rough season and playing on that line would greatly improve his chances of bouncing back. With that in mind, he's worth keeping a close eye on during training camp.

Erik Cole might end up playing in the top-six forward group of the Dallas Stars this season. However, he could also just easily find himself further down the depth chart. Cole recorded just six goals and one assist in 28 games with Dallas after being acquired from Montreal last year in exchange for Michael Ryder. Some individuals believe the lockout sabotaged his 2012-13 season because he was visibly upset over the whole ordeal and even contemplated retirement at one point. With those issues in the past it could be interesting to see if his focus returns and he can rebound. Cole produced 35 goals and 61 points in 2011-12, so he may be a good option to try out alongside Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. The Stars have some openings on the right side on their top-two lines and Cole should be in the mix. GM Jim Nill still has confidence in him, but you should wait and see where he lines up at training camp before taking a chance on him.

Erik Cole had an assist on Thursday. Cole has just nine goals and 13 points in 46 games this season. The trade from Montreal to Dallas wasn't enough to spark him as he's recorded seven points in 27 contests with the Stars.

Erik Cole netted a power-play goal on Thursday. From a fantasy perspective, Cole's 2013 campaign has been a disaster. Even after Thursday's showing, he has just six goals and no assists in 23 games with the Stars. He also recorded six points in 19 games prior to the trade.

Erik Cole scored his first goal in a Dallas uniform since getting traded earlier in the week. Cole was dealt from the Canadiens in exchange for Michael Ryder with Montreal also picking up a third round pick. Cole will give the Stars some goal scoring and grit as the Stars have been missing some of the latter since dealing Steve Ott to Buffalo in the off-season. He is worth a look-see in deep pools.

Erik Cole denied that he had a feud with former teammate, PK Subban. "I think that's false," Cole said. "I don't think that P.K. and I were in conflict. If we were, I don't think P.K. would have tried to call my phone when I sent a group text to the guys informing them of the trade, that he'd have reached out to me after the fact." The Montreal Canadiens traded Cole to the Dallas Stars after a disappointing start to his season. Cole's Stars debut wasn't ideal, but the change of scenery still might be what he needs to turn his season around.

Erik Cole's Stars debut didn't exactly go as planned. Cole had a minus-two rating and just one shot on goal in 14:58 minutes of playing time. It's the ice time that's the most concerning part as he was averaging 18:32 minutes per game in 2011-12 when he scored 35 goals. Still, he's worth keeping an eye on as he might play a bigger role in the near future.

Erik Cole will make his Dallas debut Thursday night on the third line with Reilly Smith and Cody Eakin. "From what I've seen of them, they're in the category of a couple young guys that are playing real good hockey," Cole said. "They're not just guys that are out there to keep the puck out of their own net, they can make plays and have a good skill set to go along with the speed. They can play at a good pace, so it should be good." Cole had three goals and three assists in 19 games with Montreal prior to be traded to Dallas.

Erik Cole is expected to make his Dallas Stars debut on Thursday. Cole had just three goals and six points in 19 games with Montreal this season. The change of scenery might give him a big boost, especially if he's used as a top-six forward as expected. He's not a bad guy to take a chance on if he's available as a free agent.