Dallas edged Winnipeg 5-4 on the road, sprinting to a 5-1 lead before Winnipeg narrowed the gap late. Mikko Rantanen opened the floodgates with a goal and two primary assists on Dallas’ first three strikes, anchoring a line that Manila-styled the early offense. Gulutzan rotated lines to keep the attack fresh and the energy high, while Dallas’ penalty kill slammed the door in the final minutes as the Jets pressed.

Dallas' 2025-26 blue line looks ready to carry the team, anchored by Heiskanen, Harley and Lindell. Lundkvist seeks a breakout after shoulder surgery, while Bichsel, Lyubushkin, Petrovic and Kolyachonok push for regular roles. Depth is younger and less proven, and the Stars must manage health and a new coaching staff to maximize fantasy upside.

Health of the top pair and the balance between 5v5 and power play will define fantasy upside all season. If Harley continues ascending and Lundkvist locks a top-four role, Dallas could unleash a potent blueline for fantasy rosters, with the youngsters gaining meaningful minutes as the year progresses.

Gulutzan reloads Dallas with youth and energy, naming Bourque and Lundkvist as the camp targets while acknowledging gaps left by Granlund and Ceci. Bourque aims for top-six and more offense; Lundkvist looks to cement a trusted role after a bumpy finish under DeBoer. Benn remains a steadying veteran as Duchene and Johnston could supply breakout bursts. Internal growth is the theme, with camp as the proving ground for the Stars’ next wave.

A refined NHL defense breakout model now targets blueliners likely to deliver true fantasy impact beyond sporadic scoring, focusing on age, experience, and a first sustained FPPG above a historical median. It flags defenders entering a true breakout window (roughly 23–27 years old, 170–380 games) who can push into top unit minutes and PP time, while accumulating hits and blocks that translate to fantasy points.

Among the names highlighted: Bowen Byram, Jamie Drysdale, Dylan Samberg, and K’Andre Miller, plus others who could unlock a real late-round upside if opportunity aligns. The framework aims to separate true contributors from depth players, guiding drafts with data-backed confidence.