Niklas Grossman has set contradictory goals for himself this season.

The rookie defenseman wants to be humble, respectful and fit in. But he also wants to tear off a few heads and bloody a few noses.

Pretty tough juggling act, eh?

Well, at least he knows it can be done. All Grossman has to do is look at the career of teammate Mattias Norstrom, and he'll see a shining example of how to balance respect with competition.

"They're similar players, and I think Norstrom is a perfect role model," Stars coach Dave Tippett said before Tuesday night's preseason opener, a 6-5 win over St. Louis at American Airlines Center."He's a guy who understands his role, who takes control on the ice and then displays his leadership off the ice. When you look at him and you look at Grossman, you see they have similar demeanors and similar playing styles."

Grossman, 22, said he couldn't be happier with the presence of Norstrom, who was acquired by the Stars last season at the trade deadline. Both players hail from Sweden, and coaches have told Grossman for years that the 35-year-old Norstrom is someone he should emulate.

"It's funny we're here because I've heard so much about him," said Grossman, who logged 17:56 in ice time Tuesday and finished even without a point. "My coaches have been talking about him for as long as I can remember."

Count the timing as serendipity, a happy coincidence the Stars hope will help develop one of the top defensive prospects they have brought along in a number of years.

"There's just so many good things about his game," said assistant general manager Les Jackson, who felt that Grossman was ready for the NHL last season. "He is a big, physical player, but he also has good skill, he can skate well, and he really understands the game."

The 56th overall pick in the 2004 draft, Grossman was far from a sure thing. He had to prove to the Stars that he needed to move ahead of defensemen Mark Fistric and Johan Fransson, who were selected ahead of him. He said he wants to maintain an underdog attitude in camp.

"I haven't even made the team, so that's my first goal," he said. "But if I make the team, I want to become a player who will be good defensively, who can be counted on by his teammates to make the right play."

Those words came from Norstrom. He learned them as a rookie with the New York Rangers, listening to Brian Leetch.

"You need to have a role," Norstrom said. "It's better to be great at one thing than it is to be good at a lot of things. If you can do that, you'll earn the trust of your teammates, and that's the most important thing you can have."

MIKE STONE / Special to DMN

Niklas Grossman (left) was drafted 56th overall by the Stars in 2004.

Norstrom, for example, is a talented skater who was on the power play in Sweden. But he became an NHL regular because of his ability as a shutdown defenseman who could kill penalties. That's what the Stars will ask of Grossman.

"He's a strong defender, and he blocks shots," Tippett said of the rookie. "In Iowa, he was in all situations. Here, he'd be more of a defensive defenseman."

And that's fine with Grossman. After all, he's trying to find a niche.

"I do think this is my best chance," he said. "I can feel that I'm really close [to making it in the NHL]."

Briefly: Stephane Robidas contributed a goal and an assist and strong defensive play in Tuesday's victory. Other goals came from Junior Lessard, Jeff Halpern, Brenden Morrow, Brad Winchester and Norstrom. ... Marty Turco started in net and allowed four goals on 13 shots. Mike Smith took the win in relief.

Position: Defenseman

Height: 6-4. Weight: 206

Shoots: Left

Drafted: 56th overall in 2004.

Notable: Played eight games with the Stars last season. Team was 7-1-0 in those games. ... Coming off two seasons with Iowa, where he played 128 games and had 15 points and 89 penalty minutes. ... Played 32 games in Swedish Elite League over two seasons in 2003-05, tallying two points and 12 penalty minutes.