The Dallas Stars drop the puck on the 2025-26 NHL season tonight in Winnipeg, taking on the defending Presidents’ Trophy-winning Jets in a matchup loaded with early-season intrigue. After last spring’s playoff heartbreak, Dallas is back with something to prove — and a roster ready to make another deep run.
The Stars are fresh off an offseason that saw a few subtle but smart depth moves. Ben Kraws, Remi Poirier, and Adam Erne were all signed to short-term, two-way deals to keep the system flexible and competitive. The bigger concern heading into opening night, though, is health. Captain Jamie Benn remains on long-term injured reserve with an upper-body injury, and Oskar Back is still questionable after missing time in preseason with an undisclosed issue.
Defenseman Esa Lindell has already brought home some hardware, being named Finland’s Male Hockey Player of the Year — a nice personal accolade heading into the new campaign. Off the ice, Dallas continues to weigh its long-term arena situation as its lease at the American Airlines Center approaches its 2031 end.
On the ice, the Stars will rely on familiar firepower. Expect Sam Steel, Roope Hintz, and Mikko Rantanen to lead the charge on the top line, with Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston forming a dangerous second unit. Thomas Harley, who eliminated Winnipeg last postseason with his overtime dagger in Game 6, will be a key piece again on the blue line.
Meanwhile, the Jets enter the season with high expectations — and a few headaches. Winnipeg locked up Kyle Connor to the richest contract in franchise history but will open the year without Dylan Samberg, Cole Perfetti, Adam Lowry, and Jonathan Toews, who are all battling various injuries. That means younger players like Nikita Chibrikov and Brad Lambert could have a chance to shine right out of the gate.
Connor Hellebuyck returns between the pipes for Winnipeg after another stellar year, and his matchup against Dallas netminder Jake Oettinger will likely set the tone for both teams early.
Players to Watch:
For Dallas, Thomas Harley will be looking to build on last year’s playoff heroics against these same Jets. Meanwhile, Mikko Rantanen — one of the Stars’ marquee offseason additions — aims to set the tone with a statement debut in green.
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For Winnipeg, the focus is on Nikita Chibrikov, who’s finally cracking the opening night lineup, and Cole Koepke, a gritty offseason pickup from Boston who could quickly become a fan favorite.
The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. CST at Canada Life Centre. Fans can catch the action on Victory+ (away feed) or TSN3 (home feed), and on radio at 1310 The Ticket or 680 CJOB.
Next up:
Dallas Stars – October 11 at Colorado Avalanche
Winnipeg Jets – October 11 vs. Los Angeles Kings
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