The Dallas Stars are gearing up for the 2026-27 NHL season, and their success hinges on a crucial decision: re-signing restricted free agent forward Jason Robertson. Robertson, who led the team with 96 points last season, is a key player and a huge part of the Dallas lineup. However, the Stars have other priorities, too, including adding depth and making strategic moves to bolster their roster. Let's dive into the details and explore the key players and moves that will shape the Stars' future.
Key Arrivals: Strengthening the Lineup
One of the most notable additions to the Stars' roster is Joel Kiviranta, a 30-year-old forward who signed a one-year contract with the team. Kiviranta, who played the first four seasons of his NHL career with the Stars, brings valuable experience and a proven track record. Last season, he had nine points in 51 regular-season games for the Colorado Avalanche, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively. While he didn't score any points in the Stanley Cup playoffs, his return to the Stars adds depth and provides a familiar face in the locker room.
Another player who has earned a spot on the Dallas roster is Arttu Hyry, a 25-year-old forward who gained the trust of the coaching staff during the playoffs. Hyry had five points in 20 regular-season games and played in four postseason games for the Stars, who were dealing with injuries in the first round. General manager Jim Nill praised Hyry's performance, stating that he has "a great opportunity" to earn a spot on the roster. This move adds another young talent to the lineup and provides depth in the forward group.
Key Departures: Strategic Moves
The Stars have also made strategic moves to strengthen their roster by trading away players who were not part of the core group. One notable departure is Mavrik Bourque, a 24-year-old forward who was acquired by the Nashville Predators in a trade along with defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin. Bourque had 41 points in 82 regular-season games and one goal in six playoff games for the Stars last season. The trade provides the Stars with draft picks and allows them to focus on re-signing Robertson and other key players.
Another key departure is Alexander Petrovic, a 34-year-old defenseman who signed a two-year contract with the Florida Panthers. Petrovic had 10 points in 54 games for the Stars last season, providing depth on the blue line. The move allows the Stars to allocate resources to other areas of the roster and focus on re-signing Robertson and other key players.
What They Still Need: Re-signing Robertson
The most critical task for the Stars is re-signing Robertson, who is a restricted free agent. Robertson, who turns 27 on July 22, had an outstanding season, leading the team with 96 points in 82 regular-season games. He also had eight points in six playoff games, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Robertson's leadership and offensive prowess make him a cornerstone of the Stars' lineup, and re-signing him is essential for their success.
The Future: Building a Contender
As the Stars prepare for the 2026-27 season, they must build a contender by making strategic moves and re-signing key players. Robertson's re-signing is a top priority, and the team must also focus on adding depth and improving their defense. With a strong core group of players and a solid coaching staff, the Stars have the potential to compete for the Stanley Cup. However, they must make smart moves and allocate resources wisely to build a sustainable contender.
In my opinion, the Stars' success in the upcoming season will depend on their ability to re-sign Robertson and build a strong supporting cast. The team has the talent and the potential, but they must make strategic moves and allocate resources wisely to build a contender. Robertson's leadership and offensive prowess make him a cornerstone of the Stars' lineup, and re-signing him is essential for their success. The Stars have a challenging task ahead of them, but with smart moves and a strong commitment to building a contender, they can achieve great things in the 2026-27 NHL season.
