Dallas Stars’ Top Scorers Could Clash in 2026-27 NHL Season
The Dallas Stars’ top two scorers, Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen, could clash in the 2026-27 NHL season. The Stars ultimately retained Robertson, 27, on a one-year, $12 million deal, but there’s a chance that they might want to retain Rantanen, 29, instead.
Robertson led the Stars with 96 points (45 goals and 51 assists) and a +22 rating in 82 games during the 2025-26 NHL season. He was an offensive force who dominated with elite goal production and playmaking ability. He helped the team finish strong in the Central Division.
Rantanen trailed Robertson with 77 points (22 goals and 55 assists) in 64 games during 2025-26. He was sidelined with a lower-body injury for at least two weeks in February 2026. He was also suspended for one game by the NHL Department of Player Safety on November 23, 2025.
Dallas Stars’ Top Two Scorers Could Clash
The Dallas Stars’ top two scorers, Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen, could clash in the upcoming NHL regular season. Robertson and Rantanen accounted for most of Dallas’ scoring last season. Their combined chemistry and production were key to the push for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“Locked On Stars” podcast host Joey Erickson recently appeared on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM) in Dallas, Texas. Erickson said that Rantanen was the man the Stars wanted to keep, and not Robertson. He also showed curiosity about the Stars’ front office wanting to build around the Finnish NHL star, who previously played for the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche.
He said, “I’m curious if Mikko Rantanen is the guy they wanted to build around because they never gave Robo that long-term extension because they could’ve gotten it done a couple of years ago if maybe they were picking sides to some degree and saying this is going to be kind of our guy now, and not Robo.”
Stars’ Top Two Scorers Shine
The Stars’ top two scorers, Robertson and Rantanen, shine in their own ways. Robertson’s elite scoring and playmaking ability contributed to his 96-point season, which was also one of the most productive seasons in franchise history. Rantanen’s consistent offensive presence and two-way play helped him become a key part of the top line.
Robertson and Rantanen’s production were important to Dallas’ path to the Stanley Cup. Their depth was slim and their core — Matt Duchene, Tyler Seguin, and Jamie Benn — was aging. Dallas hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1999, when the future Hall of Famer Mike Modano played for the Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars.
There’s a chance that Dallas might keep Robertson or Rantanen, but not both players. They initially appeared hesitant to re-sign the Southern California native but ultimately signed him to a one-year deal to buy some time. If Jamie Benn retires next season, one of these two players could become the next captain.
Stars’ Outlook
The Stars’ outlook appears to be bright amid the cap constraints. If Dallas prioritizes cap space management, depth protection, and smart trade decision-making, they could become a Stanley Cup contender in 2027.
Dallas is currently in a Stanley Cup window, with a competitive roster, depth, and core to compete for the Stanley Cup. Dallas’ window relies on a mix of younger players and more experienced veterans — all of whom contributed to the Stanley Cup playoff runs.
The upcoming season is crucial for Dallas, a team with a wide variety of contracts and some players set to become unrestricted free agents (UFAs) next summer. Dallas’ health and star retention headline the top factors for anyone interested in keeping an eye on.
