Stars target quicker exits and more possession in season opener

The Dallas Stars begin their regular season at home against the St. Louis Blues on Friday, Oct. 2, at 9 p.m. ET, with coach Glen Gulutzan looking to put changes to their puck movement into game action.

Jason Robertson is set to be in Dallas's lineup after signing a one-year, $12 million contract on July 1. He led the Stars last season with 96 points, including 45 goals and 51 assists, in 82 games.

St. Louis will begin the season with Robert Thomas as captain and forwards Mason McTavish and Connor McMichael making their first regular-season appearances for the Blues. The game at American Airlines Center will be shown on TNT, truTV, HBO Max and Sportsnet One.

Gulutzan said the coaching staff has worked on moving the puck out of the defensive zone more quickly and keeping it in the offensive end. The goal is to give Dallas more possession and room for creativity without adding unnecessary risk.

Tyler Seguin is set to play his first regular-season game since an ACL injury in December 2025. Matt Duchene will be absent after the Stars placed him on long-term injured reserve Thursday because of a lower-body injury.

Defenceman Thomas Harley urged the team to concentrate on its opening shift rather than look too far ahead. Captain Jamie Benn said the disappointment of last season’s first-round playoff exit has given the returning group something to prove.

Dallas follows its home opener with a game in Nashville on Saturday. Gulutzan is counting on the familiarity of his veteran roster to help the tactical changes take hold quickly.