WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Oct. 9, 2025) — The Dallas Stars return to the ice Thursday night looking to set the tone for a new season, opening their 2025–26 NHL campaign against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST, with Dallas seeking early revenge on a team that frustrated them during last year’s regular season but fell short when it mattered most — in the playoffs.

New Season, Familiar Expectations

After falling to the Edmonton Oilers in the 2025 Western Conference Final, the Stars enter the new season with unfinished business. Head coach Pete DeBoer emphasized during camp that this group remains among the Western Conference’s elite but must learn to better handle adversity across an 82-game grind.

“We know what we’re capable of,” DeBoer said earlier this week. “But capability doesn’t win you games — consistency does. That’s the challenge this year: bringing that playoff energy every night.”

The Stars made a few calculated roster moves this offseason, focusing on depth and internal development rather than splashy acquisitions. Dallas inked defenseman Ben Kraws and goaltender Remi Poirier to new deals while adding forward Adam Erne on a one-year contract, giving the club additional versatility in its bottom six. All three were signed to two-way contracts, ensuring roster flexibility as the season unfolds.

Series Recap: Jets Have Had the Edge

The Winnipeg Jets held a 3–1 advantage over Dallas during the 2024–25 regular season, but the Stars turned the tables in the postseason. Dallas eliminated Winnipeg in six games during the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, outscoring the Jets 23–17 in the series.

That playoff victory came behind the stellar play of goaltender Jake Oettinger, who recorded a .921 save percentage in the series, and the offensive surge of Jason Robertson, who posted three goals and six assists.

Overall, Dallas owns a 33–22–5 all-time record versus Winnipeg, including a 14–13–3 mark on the road. The Stars have earned points in five of their last ten against the Jets (4–5–1).

Players to Watch

Tyler Seguin – F, Dallas Stars

Few active players have performed as consistently well against Winnipeg as Tyler Seguin. The veteran forward has 54 points (29 goals, 25 assists) in 51 career games against the Jets — an average of 1.06 points per game. Over his last 12 meetings, Seguin has notched 11 points (5–6—11) and a +6 rating, establishing himself as a constant offensive threat whenever these teams collide.

Jake Oettinger – G, Dallas Stars

Oettinger has been solid historically versus Winnipeg, going 6–4–1 with a .905 save percentage and 2.57 goals-against average in 11 career starts. His ability to weather early-season pressure will be crucial as the Stars test their defensive cohesion with minor lineup adjustments on the blue line.

Connor Hellebuyck – G, Winnipeg Jets

For Winnipeg, reigning Vezina Trophy finalist Connor Hellebuyck remains the backbone. The Jets’ goaltender went 36–25–6 last season and will once again be asked to keep his team competitive in the loaded Central Division.

Key Matchups

1. Power Play Efficiency – Dallas finished last season with one of the league’s top power-play units (25.3%), while Winnipeg’s penalty kill ranked in the middle of the pack. The first special teams battle of the season could decide momentum.

2. Faceoff Circle Control – With the loss of veteran center Radek Faksa, the Stars will look to rookie Mavrik Bourque and Seguin to win critical draws against Winnipeg’s deep center group led by Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry.

3. Puck Management in Transition – The Jets thrive off turnovers and stretch plays, while Dallas emphasizes structured zone entries. Expect Dallas’ defense, particularly Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley, to play a key role in dictating tempo.

Betting Breakdown

Lines (via DraftKings):

• Spread: Dallas Stars +1.5 (-115) | Winnipeg Jets -1.5 (+100)

• Moneyline: Dallas +105 | Winnipeg -125

• Over/Under: 5.5 goals (Over -110, Under -110)

Dallas is 4–2 ATS in its last six season openers, and the Under has hit in four of those contests. The Stars have typically started strong under DeBoer, averaging 3.2 goals per game in October matchups over the past two seasons.

Prediction

Both teams boast elite goaltending and playoff experience, but Dallas’ defensive structure and balanced scoring depth give them a slight edge. Expect a tight, physical opener defined by special teams and goaltending duels.

Projected Final Score:
Stars 3, Jets 2 (OT)

Best Bets:

• Stars +1.5 (-115)

• Under 5.5 goals (-110)

• Anytime Goal Scorer: Tyler Seguin (+165)