The St. Louis Blues open their season on the road against the Dallas Stars, with both teams showcasing new contracts and retooled lineups.
The St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars kick off the 2026-27 NHL season with a Central Division showdown on October 3 at the American Airlines Center. The Stars, coming off a 2nd-place finish in the Central, are favorites at home, but the Blues, 5th in the division, have made bold moves to close the gap. This early divisional tilt will reveal how each team’s offseason gambles pay off.
St. Louis Blues: New Faces, Big Bets
The Blues enter the season with a retooled roster, highlighted by the acquisition and subsequent six-year, $40.5 million extension of forward Connor McMichael. The club also signed Dillon Dube to a free-agent deal, a move that carries significant off-ice narrative given his acquittal in the 2018 Hockey Canada case. On the ice, McMichael is expected to slot into the top six and could see power-play time, while Dube adds depth. The Blues have yet to play a preseason game, so training camp battles on the wing and bottom pairing will shape the opening night lineup. With no exhibition results to gauge, St. Louis’s cohesion remains a question mark, but the McMichael extension signals a commitment to offensive upside.
Dallas Stars: Robertson Locked In, Benn Returns
The Stars secured their cornerstone, Jason Robertson, on a one-year, $12 million deal after he led the team with 96 points last season. GM Jim Nill has made it clear that a long-term extension remains the goal, but for now, Robertson’s immediate production is secured. Captain Jamie Benn returns for an 18th season, providing veteran leadership. However, the departure of Mavrik Bourque (20 goals, 21 assists last year) to Nashville leaves a hole in the middle six that must be filled. Dallas sits 2nd in the Central and will look to close the gap on the top spot, with Robertson as the focal point of their attack.
Head-to-Head: Central Division Arms Race
This matchup pits two teams with contrasting offseason strategies. The Blues have added via trade and free agency, while the Stars have focused on retaining key pieces. The key battle will be St. Louis’s revamped top six against a Dallas defense that has been solid. The Blues’ lack of preseason games could lead to early-season rust, while the Stars have had more time to integrate their roster. Special teams will be crucial, as both teams look to establish their power play early.
- Jason Robertson’s 96-point season makes him a nightly threat.
- Connor McMichael’s new contract puts pressure on him to produce immediately.
- Jamie Benn’s veteran presence could be a stabilizing factor for Dallas.
- The Blues’ bottom pairing is a training camp battleground.
Prediction
With home-ice advantage and a proven scorer in Robertson, the Stars have the edge in this opener. The Blues’ new pieces may need time to gel, especially without preseason reps. Expect a tight game, but Dallas’s familiarity and star power should prevail.
Prediction: Dallas Stars win 4-2.
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