Taking shape: Stars lineup laying out nicely for 2026-27 season following Robertson deal
The Dallas Stars have finalized their roster plans for the 2026-27 season following the contract agreement with star winger Jason Robertson. After a summer of uncertainty and arbitration filing, the two sides settled on a one-year, $12 million deal. This move keeps a critical piece of the offense in place as the team looks to build on their track record of playoff appearances.
General Manager Jim Nill highlighted that the team remains focused on the upcoming campaign despite a tight salary cap situation. With just over $450,000 in available space, the organization is looking at internal growth from younger players to complement a veteran core. The return of healthy key contributors like Roope Hintz and Tyler Seguin provides the roster with additional depth that was missing during last year's injury-plagued run.
As the franchise turns toward the season opener in October, questions remain about how the new lines will shake out. The top offensive grouping features the pairing of Wyatt Johnston and Mikko Rantanen, while the second line pivots around the established chemistry between Robertson and Hintz. The third line is expected to feature Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn, a trio that showed significant productivity during the middle of the previous season.
The defensive group stays largely consistent with previous years, though the team acknowledges the heavy workload their veterans have carried. With the league's second-highest game total since 2018, the extra weeks of rest provided by an earlier exit this past spring are viewed as a necessary reset. Coaches and management believe this downtime will allow for a stronger performance when the puck drops in October.
While the roster remains subject to potential adjustments due to cap constraints, the core remains intact. The team enters this cycle with the goal of returning to contention status. With the primary contract negotiations finished, the focus for players and staff shifts to training camp and the pursuit of the Stanley Cup.