Hitchcock: Umberger 'not done' despite release from tryout with Stars

The Dallas Stars sent R.J. Umberger on his way, but head coach Ken Hitchcock believes it's not the end of the road for the veteran forward.

Umberger was released from a professional tryout with the club on Wednesday, but Hitchcock - who coached him in both Philadelphia and Columbus - sees life in his game.

"Sometimes you know when a guy's done," Hitchcock said, per Scott Burnside of the team's website. "And he's not done."

"He looks like a guy who could have an impact in the National Hockey League," Hitchcock added.

Umberger was the victim of a numbers game in Dallas, where the Stars have enough contracts on the books and youngsters looking to make the jump to fill out a competitive roster. His stated goal was to leave everything on the table, and Hitchcock affirmed Umberger's impact both on and off the ice during training camp.

"He got better and better as the camp went along," Hitchcock said. "He had a major impact in the last game and it's based on his quickness.

"The big thing with him is the young guys loved him," Hitchcock said. "Even though they were competing against him, he was helping them. That's the thing they loved the most."

Umberger - who did not play at all last season - is left hoping a spot opens up somewhere else.

"Hopefully things sort themselves out in the next few days," he said. "I'm anxious to find out. I'll continue to stay in shape and be ready if something comes up."

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