The NHL season will be here before you know it.
The Stars drop the puck on their 2025-26 season on Oct. 9, looking to take the next step after three straight seasons have come up short in the Western Conference finals.
To do that, they’ll need big players, and according to NHL Network’s hockey experts, they’ve got ‘em.
The network began its annual countdown of the top 50 players in hockey, starting with Nos. 50-41 on Sunday.
Sports Roundup
The first Dallas Star to appear on the list? That would be Jason Robertson at No. 49. Robertson comes in one spot above the NHL’s all-time leading goalscorer, Alex Ovechkin at No. 50.
Robertson is coming off another stellar season for the Stars in which he played all 82 games, the third straight season he’s had perfect attendance. He led the team in goals with 35 and was second in points with 80.
Despite the nice season, Robertson sees a drop on the top 50 list, having come in at No. 23 last year. As NHL Network’s crew attested, if 35 goals and 80 points is Robertson’s “down” year, he’s doing pretty good.
“I think he was the player we think he can be in the second half [of the season],” former NHL goaltender Cory Schneider said. “He might’ve fallen down this list a bit because of the way he started, but the way he finished is who I think he is as a player.”
Robertson scored 25 of his 35 goals in the second half of last season. His heater continued into the playoffs when, after missing the first round vs. the Avalanche due to a leg injury, he came back strong with six goals over the next two rounds against the Jets and the Oilers.
His strong season paid off, as in August, Robertson was one of the 44 players to attend the U.S. Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp.
“He’s good enough to be on [the Olympic team], I think he should be on that team, ”Schneider said. “If he starts the year the way he finished it, that’s the big question — but he’s got the talent for sure, on a really good team, and that always helps, too.”
This post will be updated as more Dallas Stars are announced to NHL’s top 50 players.
Former Dallas Star Joe Pavelski elected into United States Hockey Hall of Fame
The announcement of Pavelski’s induction was made on Wednesday morning.
5 Dallas Stars games on 2025-26 schedule receive new start times
The NHL also announced its national television broadcast schedule on Wednesday.
Where does Dallas Stars’ Roope Hintz check in among the best centers in the NHL?
NHL Network is rolling out its player rankings entering the 2025-26 season and Hintz is the latest Dallas player to be recognized.
Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.