Dallas Stars offseason review: Standing pat after 112-point season

Dallas banked 112 points and finished second in the Central, but the front office spent free agency managing the cap rather than adding impact pieces. The Stars brought back depth forward Joel Kiviranta and signed defenseman Kyle Burroughs to a two-way deal, per nhl.com. They also acquired draft picks from Nashville, according to nhl.com. The real work lies ahead: nhl.com reports the team's hopes hinge on re-signing Jason Robertson, who remains unsigned as camp approaches.

Last season in review

The 2025-26 Stars were an offensive juggernaut. Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston each scored 45 goals, and Mikko Rantanen added 22 goals and 55 assists after arriving via trade. Dallas scored 279 goals, third-most in franchise history, and allowed 226. Jake Oettinger posted a 35-12-6 record but his .899 save percentage was a concern. The Stars went 50-20-12 but fell short in the postseason again, extending their Stanley Cup drought.

Ins and outs

• In: Joel Kiviranta (signed as a free agent, one year, $1 million)
• In: Kyle Burroughs (signed as a free agent, one-year, two-way contract)
• In: Draft picks (acquired from Nashville Predators)
• In: Arttu Hyry (signed as a free agent)
• In: Artem Shlaine (signed as a free agent)
• In: Brandon Halverson (signed as a free agent)

No major departures have been confirmed. The roster picture remains fluid as the front office navigates a tight cap situation, per nhl.com.

The big question

What happens with Jason Robertson? The 96-point winger is unsigned and nhl.com calls his future the linchpin of the team's success. Without him, the Stars lose their most productive scorer and the engine of their top line. A long-term deal keeps the window open; a trade or departure forces a rebuild of the forward group.

X-factor

Wyatt Johnston. The 22-year-old center matched Robertson's 45 goals and added 41 assists. If he takes another step and becomes a true number-one center, Dallas has two elite scorers locked in for years. His development could determine whether the Stars remain Cup contenders or slip into the pack.

Bold prediction

Dallas wins the Central Division. The Stars return nearly the entire roster that finished second last season, and if Robertson re-signs, they have the firepower to overtake whoever finishes first. Oettinger's save percentage will rebound closer to his career norms, and the offense will carry them through tight games.

The outlook

Dallas enters the season with more questions than answers. The core is intact, the offense is elite, and the defense is steady. But until Robertson's contract is resolved, the front office cannot make meaningful additions. The Stars are betting continuity and internal development will be enough to break through. If the goaltending holds and the top line stays together, they have the talent to win now. If not, the window may start to close.