Three Dallas Stars Players Who Must Step Up in the Final Stretch of the Season
After an impressive January performance that propelled the Dallas Stars into second place in the Western Conference at the Four Nations Face-Off break, the team now faces the crucial final 25 games of the regular season. While several players have performed consistently, others have been streaky, leaving room for improvement. For the Stars to maximize their potential and make a deep playoff run, a few key players need to elevate their game.
Here are three Dallas Stars players who must step up down the stretch:
Logan Stankoven: A Rookie Ready for More
Rookie forward Logan Stankoven has been solid throughout the season, showing impressive consistency each night. However, his lack of goal-scoring stands out as an area for improvement. Known for his elite scoring ability, Stankoven showcased his potential during his time with the Stars last season, tallying 14 points in 24 regular-season games and adding eight points in a 19-game playoff run.
Playing alongside Jamie Benn and Wyatt Johnston was expected to help Stankoven thrive in a scoring role, bolstering the team’s bottom-six. However, the 21-year-old has yet to meet those expectations. Despite posting 25 points this season, only seven have come in 2025, leading to the first healthy scratch of his career.
Stankoven’s impact on the team’s success is clear: 21 of his points have come in games Dallas won, including all seven of his goals. In contrast, he has only four points in the team’s losses. While Dallas already boasts a strong offensive lineup, a surge in Stankoven’s scoring could make the Stars’ offense even more formidable heading into the postseason.
Matt Dumba: Finding His Form on Defense
Matt Dumba joined the Dallas Stars after several strong seasons with the Minnesota Wild, including a 50-point campaign in 2017-18. However, his production has declined in recent years, failing to surpass 25 points in a single season and totaling just 26 points over the past two years.
When Dallas signed Dumba in the offseason, he wasn’t expected to be a top-pair defenseman but was anticipated to contribute more than he has so far. Unfortunately, Dumba has struggled to find his rhythm, posting only four points this season without a single goal. Injuries may have slowed his progress, but with other defensemen performing better, his spot in the lineup could be in jeopardy.
For Dumba to remain a key part of the Stars’ defensive core, he’ll need to regain his form and become a reliable contributor on both ends of the ice.
Brendan Smith: Time to Prove His Value
Another offseason addition, Brendan Smith, was brought in to provide veteran leadership and depth on the blue line. Smith, known for his two-way play and versatility to fill in at forward, has been a positive presence in the locker room and solid defensively. However, his offensive production has been underwhelming.
In just 24 games this season, Smith has matched Dumba’s offensive output with four points. While he’s never been a prolific scorer—having reached double-digit points six times in his 14-year career without surpassing the 20-point mark—Smith’s experience suggests he can still contribute as a reliable third-pair defenseman.
With injuries affecting the lineup, Smith has an opportunity to prove he can still be a valuable asset for Dallas. If he can step up and deliver consistent performances, he could play a crucial role in the Stars’ playoff push.
Looking Ahead
The Dallas Stars have positioned themselves as strong contenders in the Western Conference. However, to maintain their momentum and make a serious playoff run, they’ll need key players like Logan Stankoven, Matt Dumba, and Brendan Smith to elevate their performances.
If these players can meet expectations and provide the additional spark the team needs, the Stars could become an even more dangerous opponent in the postseason.
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