As the heat of the Texas summer begins to fade, the familiar chill of the ice rink calls, and with it, the promise of another thrilling Dallas Stars season. After a strong showing last year, the Stars are looking to take the next step, and as we gear up for the 2025-26 season, two major questions loom large over the franchise. How the team answers them will likely determine their fate.
A New-Look Offense and a Familiar Face Behind the Bench
The departure of Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken has left a tantalizing opening on the second line alongside veterans Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin. All eyes are on Mavrik Bourque, the Stars’ 2020 first-round pick, to seize this opportunity. After a respectable rookie season where he put up 25 points in 73 games, the 23-year-old is poised for a breakout. The Stars have a history of patiently developing their prospects, and now it’s Bourque’s time to shine. A top-six role would be a significant step up, but his skill set and potential make him the leading candidate. A dynamic and productive second line is crucial for a deep playoff run, and Bourque could be the key to unlocking that potential.
The other major storyline is the return of Glen Gulutzan as head coach. While he previously coached the Stars from 2011-13, this is a different Gulutzan and a different Stars team. Since his last stint in Dallas, Gulutzan has worked alongside some of the best coaching minds in the NHL, including Mike Sullivan and John Tortorella. He’s no longer the up-and-coming coach he once was; he’s a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience. He also inherits a team that is a legitimate contender, a far cry from the rebuilding squad he coached a decade ago. His impact should be immediate, and fans should be excited to see how his new perspective and a talented roster combine.
Dallas Stars Pre-Season Schedule 2025-26
Here’s a look at the full pre-season schedule for your Dallas Stars:
- Saturday, September 20: vs. St. Louis Blues at American Airlines Center, 7:00 PM EDT
- Tuesday, September 23: vs. Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center, 8:00 PM EDT
- Thursday, September 25: @ Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center, 8:00 PM EDT
- Saturday, September 27: @ Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena, 7:00 PM EDT
- Tuesday, September 30: @ St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center, 8:00 PM EDT
- Saturday, October 4: vs. Colorado Avalanche at American Airlines Center, 6:00 PM EDT
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The post Dallas Stars Season Preview 2025-26: The Two Big Questions That Will Define Their Season appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
