2025-26
Record: 50-20-12, 112 points, 2nd in Central Division
Playoffs: Lost to Minnesota in First Round
Key Losses
F – Maverick Bourque (Trade w/ NAS), D – Ilya Lyubushkin (Trade w/ NAS), D – Alexander Petrovic (FLA)
Key Additions
F – Joel Kiviranta (Signed via FA)
2026-27 Preview
Bouncing Back from the Robertson Drama
One of the biggest storylines of the 2026 offseason has been the contract negotiations between the Dallas Stars and star winger Jason Robertson. After becoming a restricted free agent, Robertson and the Stars entered lengthy negotiations, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. As talks stalled, Dallas reportedly began exploring the trade market.
The Stars eventually reached a framework for a trade with the Seattle Kraken, but the deal ultimately fell through when Robertson declined to sign a long-term contract with Seattle. With the trade off the table, Dallas and Robertson returned to the negotiating table, though little progress has been reported.
As the offseason continues, speculation surrounding Robertson’s future has only intensified. One of the teams linked to the 27-year-old winger is the Pittsburgh Penguins, particularly after they acquired his brother, Nicolas Robertson, from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Whether family ties become a factor remains to be seen, but the connection has fueled plenty of discussion.
For now, Robertson remains without a new contract, leaving one of the NHL’s premier goal scorers at the center of one of the league’s biggest offseason storylines. Whether the Stars can reach an agreement, revisit trade discussions, or find another resolution will be one of the key situations to monitor heading into the 2026-27 season.
Looking for a Deeper Playoff Run
The Stars’ 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff run came to an early end with a first-round loss to the division-rival Minnesota Wild, a matchup that reignited debate over the NHL’s current playoff format. Under the former 1-through-8 conference seeding, Dallas may have drawn a different opponent and potentially been positioned for a deeper postseason run. Instead, the divisional format once again forced two of the Western Conference’s top teams to meet in the opening round.
Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, Dallas could find itself in a similar situation. With the Wild and Colorado Avalanche expected to remain among the Central Division’s elite, another difficult first-round matchup is a very real possibility if the standings hold.
The Stars have all the ingredients of a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. They boast elite goaltending, a deep and reliable defensive corps, and one of the league’s most talented forward groups. If they can stay healthy and find the timely performances that often define postseason success, Dallas should once again have the opportunity to make a deep playoff run—regardless of who stands in its way.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Justin Hryckowian — Wyatt Johnston — Mikko Rantanen
Jason Robertson — Roope Hintz — Tyler Seguin
Sam Steel — Matt Duchene — Jamie Benn
Oskar Back — Radek Faksa — Joel Kiviranta
Defense
Esa Lindell — Miro Heiskanen
Thomas Harley — Nils Lundkvist
Lian Bichsel — Tyler Myers
Goalies
Jake Oettinger
Casey DeSmith