Dallas Stars sign Nathan Bastian to a one-year, league-minimum deal worth 775,000 to shore up forward depth and bring a physical edge to the bottom six. The move, paired with the addition of Radek Faksa, completes the Stars’ forward unit and signals an emphasis on a grittier, more two-way identity under new head coach Glen Gulutzan. Bastian is described as a reliable depth piece who can contribute in puck battles and on the penalty kill without forcing top-line minutes.

Bastian has spent most of his career with New Jersey after being selected in 2016, appearing in 276 NHL games and posting 68 points. He played 59 games for New Jersey last season, tallying 10 points while delivering a notably physical game. His signing is framed as a strategic upgrade to the Stars’ depth chart, creating a 13-forward unit and easing competition in camp for the last forward spot as Dallas looked to blend grit with production.

The offseason moves position Dallas to lean into a more physical style, with Faksa returning to bolster center depth. Training camp opens Sept. 17, and the primary race will be for the seventh defenseman spot among Alexander Petrovic, Kyle Capobianco and Vladislav Kolyachonok. Dallas’ depth now extends from first-line skill to a solid checking line, giving Gulutzan flexibility as he builds lines and special-teams units for 2025-26.