Three burning questions for Dallas Stars as NHL season looms: Bourque's leap, Gulutzan's return, and Lundkvist's chance
The Dallas Stars are gearing up for the upcoming National Hockey League (NHL) season. But key questions remain unanswered as training camp approaches. From emerging talent to coaching changes and defensive depth.
The franchise faces critical decisions that could shape its 2025–26 campaign.
NHL Prospects : Mavrik Bourque - 23-24 Highlights
Mavrik Bourque
's next move
When the Dallas Stars traded Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken in June, they opened a prime vacancy on the second line alongside veterans Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin. One name at the forefront of speculation is Mavrik Bourque.
Bourque, the Stars' 2020 first-round pick (No. 30), has been carefully developed within the system and is fresh off a respectable rookie campaign, 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) across 73 games, averaging over 12 minutes per game.
At 23, he now has the chance to translate promise into consistent top-six production. The Stars' patient approach suggests they will evaluate him closely in preseason to make him a fixture on that second unit.
NHL Young Stars Highlights: Dallas Stars Wyatt Johnston, Mavrik Bourque and Lian Bichsel 🤩
Glen Gulutzan
's second coaching chapter
The return of Glen Gulutzan as Dallas Stars head coach brings a distinctly different landscape. All compared to his first stint from 2011 to 2013. Back then, the team was mid-rebuild. Now, the roster is brimming with talent, playoff experience, and championship aspirations.
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Since leaving Dallas, Gulutzan has gained a wealth of experience working under some of the NHL's most accomplished bench bosses, including Mike Sullivan, Dave Tippett, John Tortorella, Ken Hitchcock, and Kris Knoblauch. That exposure, combined with the evolution of the Stars' roster, positions him to make a more immediate impact.
Dallas Stars hire Glen Gulutzan as head coach
The team's disappointing scoring output during the Stanley Cup Playoffs has already prompted strategic changes.
Gulutzan inherits a club with both established stars and emerging contributors. This is giving him the tools to contend rather than rebuild; his challenge will be fine-tuning the attack while reinforcing defensive stability.
Nils Lundkvist
's opportunity
On defense, Nils Lundkvist has a pivotal season ahead. Acquired from the New York Rangers in September 2022 for conditional draft picks, the 25-year-old blueliner has yet to cement himself in Dallas' top six.
His NHL career-high remains 60 games played in the 2022–23 season, and last year he managed just five assists in 39 appearances.
With Cody Ceci and Mathew Dumba not returning, Lundkvist now has a clear path to more ice time. The Stars will expect him to seize the opportunity. And become a reliable presence on the back end. Strong performances in training camp and early-season games could lock in his role.
Also Read:
NHL trade news: Connor McDavid's big decision between the Edmonton Oilers and Auston Matthews' Maple Leafs stirs speculation
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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