Dallas Stars
A preview of the 2026-27 NHL season for the Dallas Stars, including predictions from VSiN NHL Expert Jonathan Davis. For all other NHL team previews, check out our NHL page.
Key Additions: Joel Kiviranta
Key Departures: Mavrik Bourque, Ilya Lyubushkin
Overview
The Dallas Stars posted another strong regular season, finishing with 50 wins for the third consecutive season (franchise first) but suffered an early playoff exit. The Stars faced the Minnesota Wild in the Western Conference First Round and lost the series 4–2. It marked the first time since the 2021-22 season they failed to reach the Western Conference Finals. The off-season was highlighted by Jason Robertson blocking a trade from Dallas to Seattle, then signing a one-year, $ 12 million deal and avoiding arbitration. With Mavrik Bourque likely to be offer-sheeted and the Stars not in a position to match the salary, they traded Bourque to the Nashville Predators.
Offense
The Stars’ 273 goals scored was ninth-best last season, and their 71 goals with the extra man was second overall. Jason Robertson (15 power play) and Wyatt Johnston (27 power play goals, #1 in the NHL) each found the back of the net 45 times as Dallas, along with the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators, were the only three teams in the league that produced two forty goal scorers. Johnston has seen his goal totals increase in each of his four seasons (24, 32, 33, 45). Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz round out the Stars’ top four forwards. Replacing Mavrik Bourque’s 20 goals, gone to Nashville, and keeping Tyler Seguin healthy for a full season are legit concerns for the Stars. Seguin had hip surgery two seasons ago and suffered a torn ACL last season that limited him to 27 games and has been limited to 47 games over the past two years.
Defense
The Stars surrendered 222 goals last season, second only to their Central Division rival, the Colorado Avalanche. The Stars boast one of the NHL’s strongest top bluelines, which gives them matchup flexibility. Miro Heiskanen’s 63 points were the 9th-best among all defensemen, and he is paired on the top unit with Esa Lindell, who simply eats pucks. His 179 blocked shots were the fifth most last season, and his dedication to his defensive responsibilities gives Heiskanen the freedom to rush the puck. Thomas Harley anchors the second pair. I suspect there was some fence mending to do over the summer, as Harley, who signed an eight-year, $64 million-plus contract last October, was reportedly part of a deal to Columbus for Zach Werenski that fell through. The Stars have a couple of “redwoods” making up their third pair. Lian Bichsel (6’7) and Tyler Myers (6’8) are more than adequate at eliminating traffic from the front of the net.
Goaltending
Jake Oettinger enters year two of an eight-year, $8.25M AAV deal and is coming off his first career season with a sub-.900 save percentage, though he did record four shutouts. Casey DeSmith had a solid season as the backup. He earned the Stars points in 21 of his 29 decisions (15-8-6) he appeared in last season (28 starts). His 2.43 goals-against average and .907 save percentage were both better than Oettinger’s numbers (2.59 GAA, .899 SV). The Stars will need more consistency from Oettinger in the upcoming season after a somewhat disappointing season by his standards.
Player to Watch
With Mavrik Bourque traded to Nashville, there is an opening alongside Wyatt Johnston and Mikko Rantanen on the left side. It’s there for the taking for Justin Hryckowian, coming off a rookie season where he scored 14 goals and 30 points.
Outlook
The biggest topic surrounding the Dallas Stars this season is Jason Robertson’s long-term future in Dallas. After signing a one-year deal in the offseason, he is eligible as of January 1, 2027, to sign a long-term extension. The strong belief is that Robertson would like to remain in Dallas, but can the two sides find a number that works for both parties? When it comes to future bets, I am on the Stars’ Over 100.5 points (-130). The last time they finished with fewer than 100 points for a full 82-game season was in 2018-19 (93 points).
Team Futures
Regular Season Points: 100.5 (Over -130, Under +100)
To Make the Playoffs: (-450)
Miss the Playoffs: (+340)
To Win the Division: (+330)
To Win the Western Conference: (+700)
To Win the Stanley Cup: (+1400)
2025-26 Recap
Record: 50-20-12 (112 points, 2nd Central Division)
Over/Under: 41-41
Home Favorite: 26-12 // Home Dog: 0-3
Road Favorite: 14-11 // Road Dog: 10-5
Win Score 4 or more: 32 of 50 // Lose Give Up 4 or more: 19 of 32
Puck Line Wins: 22 of 50 // Puck Line Losses: 15 of 32
Front End Back-to-Back: 7-5 // Back End Back-to-Back: 8-4
Points Leader: Jason Robertson – 96
Goal Leader: Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston each with 45
Teams First Goal Leader: Wyatt Johnston -13, Jason Robertson – 11
Assist Leader: Mikko Rantanen – 55
Shots on Goal Leader: Jason Robertson – 294
Blocked Shots: Esa Lindell – 179
Depth Chart
Forwards
Justin Hryckowian / Wyatt Johnston / Mikko Rantanen
Jason Robertson / Roope Hintz / Tyler Seguin
Sam Steel / Matt Duchene / Jamie Benn
Oskar Back / Radak Faksa / Joel Kiviranta
Defense
Esa Lindell / Miro Heiskanen
Thomas Harley / Nils Lundkvist
Lian Bichsel / Tyler Myers
Goalies
Jake Oettinger / Casey DeSmith
