On an expiring deal, the Stars traded away a third-round pick to Nashville with the sole purpose of getting some extra support for this playoff run. But throughout the start of the playoffs, he spent game nights in the press box — until Thursday. 

“I’m excited to come into this series and be impactful,” Bunting said. “Not playing is never a fun thing. I’m ready to get in there, and I know what I’m capable of.” 

Bunting scored 14 goals in 74 games this regular season. He brings speed and physicality to the lineup. The Stars could use all three of those attributes in a grueling series against the Wild where 5-on-5 scoring has dried up. 

“He’s a very energetic player,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “He’s got a nose for the net. He provides us with some speed and tenacity. I’m looking for all those things.” 

During morning skate Thursday, Bunting skated alongside Jamie Benn and Justin Hryckowian, and that line could be capable of getting under the skin of the Wild’s top players. 

On the blue line, Petrovic will skate alongside Lian Bichsel. He replaced Myers, who struggled in Game 5 and was on the ice for two of Minnesota’s goals. 

Petrovic had spent most of the last few seasons in the AHL before being called up for each of the last two playoff runs to join the Stars. 

Despite playing just six regular season games for Dallas from 2023-25, he appeared in 24 postseason games, including 17 last year. His steady performance in the postseason earned him a full-time spot on Dallas’ roster this year. 

“Just having that familiarity, just being here, knowing the routine and everything definitely helps,” Petrovic said. “Going into tonight, just keeping it simple, nothing special. Just doing my job.” 

Petrovic had 10 points (two goals and eight assists) in 54 regular season games this season, averaging 14:06 of ice time. 

Beyond the two new players in the lineup, Gulutzan is also expected to shift some lines around. Those changes include moving Jason Robertson up to the top line next to Wyatt Johnston and pairing defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley. 

Here are the lines Dallas used at morning skate Thursday:  

Robertson-Johnston-Bourque  

Steel-Duchene-Rantanen  

Bunting-Hryckowian-Benn  

The Wild are also expected to make one lineup change, with defenseman Jonas Brodin out with a lower-body injury and Jeff Petry expected to step in.