Dallas Stars Release 2026-27 Preseason Schedule Ahead of Season

Dallas Stars announced their 2026-27 preseason schedule on July 8, 2026, setting the stage for a busy exhibition stretch that begins on September 12. The club will face a mix of Western Conference rivals and regional opponents, giving coach Pete Davidson a chance to evaluate line combinations before the regular season starts.

Which teams will the Stars play?

The Stars open the preseason on September 12 at home against the Colorado Avalanche, followed by a road trip to face the Minnesota Wild on September 14. After a brief return to Dallas for a game versus the Nashville Predators on September 16, the schedule heads west for a showdown with the Vegas Golden Knights on September 18. The final two contests are back‑to‑back home games against the Edmonton Oilers on September 20 and the Vancouver Canucks on September 22. Each matchup offers a different style of play, from the Avalanche’s speed to the Golden Knights’ physicality.

Why does the preseason matter now?

Dallas sits 2nd in the Western Conference with a 50‑20 record and is riding a five‑game winning streak, so the coaching staff wants to keep the momentum rolling. Preseason games let Davidson test rookie defenseman Mason Cox and give veteran John Gibson a chance to fine‑tune his power‑play quarterbacking. The schedule also provides a low‑pressure environment for goaltender Jake Oettinger to work on rebound control against varied offensive systems.

When is the next regular‑season test?

After the exhibition run, the Stars will jump straight into the regular season, opening against the St. Louis Blues on September 19, 2026. That game will be the first real gauge of how the preseason adjustments translate when points are on the line.

How will fans experience the games?

All seven preseason contests will be streamed live on the Stars’ official app, with in‑arena tickets available through the team’s website. The club promises family‑friendly promotions, including a “Kids’ Night” during the Nashville game and a “Fan Appreciation” giveaway at the Vancouver matchup. For those outside Texas, the streaming platform will feature behind‑the‑scenes content, letting viewers see locker‑room talks and practice drills.

What does this mean for the roster?

The schedule gives the front office a clear window to assess contract options on depth players like Tyler Bennett and Liam Kelley. With the regular season looming, any standout performances could earn a roster spot, while under‑performers may face waivers before the cut‑down date. The mix of home and away games also tests the team’s travel routine, an often‑overlooked factor that can affect performance during the grueling 82‑game schedule.

How will the Stars stay competitive?

By blending veteran leadership with youthful energy, Dallas hopes to translate its current 50‑20 success into a deeper playoff run. The preseason schedule is the first step in that plan, offering a controlled environment to lock in line chemistry, sharpen special‑team units, and give Oettinger a chance to lock down his net before the real battles begin.