WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — The Dallas Stars will open the 2025-26 regular season on the road Thursday night against the Winnipeg Jets, the defending Presidents’ Trophy winners.
“I think it’s good to get right on the horse, play the President’s trophy winner, in their building, it should be a good test,” Stars forward Jason Robertson said.
Aren’t we on Robo watch to start the season? The start of this season marks the first time in two years that Robertson has entered training camp fully healthy. In 2023, a contract holdout kept him out of camp, and a foot injury limited his play early last season. This year is the first in a couple years where he’s been healthy and looking sharp to start the season.
Robertson enters the 2025-26 season without a contract extension and one year remaining on his restricted free agent deal. The plan, for now, is for Robertson and the Stars to revisit contract negotiations after the season.
Looking back at last season’s opener Oct. 10, 2024, against the Nashville Predators, Dallas recorded 11 hits, with Robertson leading the team with three.
New head coach Glen Gulutzan’s “1% more physical” mantra is expected to be on display Thursday in Winnipeg, where the Stars will look to set the tone for a tougher, more assertive style of play.
The team’s season theme, “One Degree,” is posted above the door inside the Stars’ dressing room as a daily reminder of Gulutzan’s message.
“No coach is going to make a team 25 percent better,” Gulutzan said. “But one percent better each game adds up.”
It’s an early opportunity for Dallas to set the tone against a tough Central Division opponent on the road. Expectations remain high as the Stars aim for a fifth consecutive playoff appearance this season.
