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This story was originally published on July 1, 2026 before NHL free agency opened.
The NHL offseason has already been a hectic one for the Stars - and now it really kicks into gear.
NHL free agency is set to begin on Wednesday and the Stars have a lot of plates spinning. A top defenseman vetoed a trade to Dallas the night before free agency opened, a key decision has been made on Mavrik Bourque (he now plays for Nashville), and, of course, the Jason Robertson of it all.
Will Dallas be able to re-sign its top scorer long-term? Or is Robertson about to become one of the best trade chips in the league? Can Jim Nill find another star defenseman other than Zach Werenski - one who's willing to come here?
It all starts Wednesday in what could be a franchise-altering free agency period for Nill and the Stars.
Follow along with the team's latest moves, targets and more below.
2026 NHL free agency
- July 21 - After a long, drawn out process that appeared to be headed to arbitration, the Stars and Jason Robertson agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal that will keep him in Dallas for 2026-27. He'll hit restricted free agency next summer.
- 6:45 p.m. (Sat.) - After being dealt to Nashville, former Stars forward Mavrik Bourque signed a six-year, $33 million deal with the Predators. Dallas traded the restricted free agent before he received any offer sheets from other teams.
- 10:00 a.m. (Fri.): The captain is back. The Stars signed left wing Jamie Benn to a one-year, $850,000 deal, bringing him back to Dallas for an 18th season as he continues to pursue a Stanley Cup title before his retirement.
- 7:30 p.m. (Wed.): The Stars reunited with a familiar face Wednesday, signing forward Joel Kiviranta to a one-year, $1 million deal. He spent the past three seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, last suiting up for Dallas in 2022-23.
- 3:55 p.m. (Wed.): Stars general manager Jim Nill told reporters conversations are ongoing with captain Jamie Benn about his playing future.
- 3:27 p.m. (Wed.): Stars general manager Jim Nill told reporters there was no update on the Jason Robertson negotiations, and that Dallas still intends to try and re-sign him.
- 2:33 p.m. (Wed.): Defenseman Alexander Petrovic signed a two-year deal to return the Florida Panthers, the team announced. Florida originally drafted the 34-year-old in 2010.
- 1:47 p.m. (Wed.): Defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok, who appeared in 11 regular season games for the Stars last season, signed a one-year deal with New Jersey, his agency announced.
- 1:35 p.m. (Wed.): The Stars brought back a depth piece Wednesday, re-signing forward Arttu Hyry to a two-year deal. The Stars also signed forward Artem Shlaine and goaltender Brandon Halverson to one-year, two-way contracts.
- 10:17 a.m. (Wed.): Roughly an hour before free agency opened, Dallas traded restricted free agent Mavrik Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to the Nashville Predators in exchange for draft compensation.
Which Stars are still unrestricted free agents?
Forwards: Nathan Bastian (28 years old), Jamie Benn (re-signed), Michael Bunting (30), Adam Erne (31)
Defensemen: Alexander Petrovic (signed w/ FLA)
Restricted free agents
Forwards: Jason Robertson (re-signed), Mavrik Bourque (traded), Arttu Hyry (re-signed)
Defenseman: None
RELATED: Explaining NHL offer sheets and how they can impact Stars' extension with Jason Robertson
Potential trade targets
Dylan Larkin
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin also wants out of Detroit, where he has spent his entire 11-year NHL career, and according to reports, Dallas is among his destinations of choice.
Matthew Knies
Several reports indicated the Stars were rather close to a deal that would've brought Knies to Dallas.
More on Stars trade targets...
Stars offseason moves
- Dallas Stars, Jason Robertson agree to one-year deal, ending lengthy contract dispute
- Alexander Petrovic signs with Florida Panthers in free agency
- Stars re-sign forward Arttu Hyry to two-year contract
- Stars trade Mavrik Bourque, Ilya Lyubushkin to Nashville for draft picks
- Stars bolster blue line depth, sign Kyle Capobianco, Luke Krys to two-year deals
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