The Dallas Stars have expectations to compete for a Stanley Cup this season.
And according to some national media, the roster put together by general manager Jim Nill and new head coach Glen Gulutzan should have the talent to do just that.
On Tuesday, a panel of ESPN staff members released their projection of who will be the top 100 players of the 2025-26 season. The Stars led the entire NHL with seven names on the list, one more than the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
Among the names from Dallas on ESPN’s top 100 projection:
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10. Mikko Rantanen, RW
19. Jason Robertson, LW
25. Miro Heiskanen, D
31. Roope Hintz, C
35. Jake Oettinger, G
61. Wyatt Johnston, C
81. Thomas Harley, D
(Plus, a shoutout to ex-Stars forward Logan Stankoven at No. 93, now with Carolina, who was a key piece in the Rantanen trade last season.)
A quick run through those names provides some key reasons the Stars have started the season 2-0-0 ahead of Dallas’ home opener against Minnesota.
Rantanen and Harley are tied for the team lead in points (4), Robertson, Hintz and Johnston have all contributed multiple points of their own (3, 2 and 2), Heiskanen leads the team in ice time (26:04) and Oettinger has been in net for both wins thus far.
Dallas and its star players have the opportunity Tuesday night to pick up a third consecutive Central Division victory to open the season against the Wild.
How to watch Stars-Wild: TV/streaming info, pregame events for home opener and more
Dallas looks to continue its perfect start to the 2025-26 season with its home opener against Minnesota at American Airlines Center.
In practice and play, Stars showing new level of early-season compete under Glen Gulutzan
Dallas’ first two games weren’t perfect, but showed the Stars are ready to compete for the Central Division crown.