History of Dallas Stars in Timeline

The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, competing in the NHL's Western Conference, Central Division. Originally playing at Reunion Arena from 1993-2001, they moved to the American Airlines Center, which they share with the Dallas Mavericks.

1940: Lowest Goals-Against Average (GAA) Since 1940

In the 2002-2003 season, Marty Turco posted the lowest goals-against average (GAA) since 1940, at 1.76.

1967: Minnesota North Stars Began Play

In 1967, the Minnesota North Stars began play at the Metropolitan Sports Center in Bloomington, Minnesota.

1967: Team Founding as Minnesota North Stars

In 1967, the team was founded as the Minnesota North Stars as part of the NHL expansion.

1978: Merger with Cleveland Barons

In 1978, the Minnesota North Stars merged with the Cleveland Barons due to financial struggles and were granted permission by the NHL.

1980: Reunion Arena Built

In 1980, Reunion Arena, which would later house the Dallas Stars, was built in downtown Dallas.

1981: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 1981, the Minnesota North Stars reached the Stanley Cup Final, losing to the New York Islanders.

1983: First Division Title Since 1983-84

In 1996, the Stars won the Central Division, their first division title since 1983-84, when they were still the Minnesota North Stars.

1987: Jake Oettinger records 64 saves

In game 7 of the 2021-22 season playoffs, the Stars' Jake Oettinger recorded 64 saves, the second-highest in playoff history behind Kelly Hrudey's 73 during the 1987 Easter Epic.

1990: Declining Profits and Relocation Attempts

After the 1990-91 season, the North Stars suffered declining profits and relocation attempts. The Gund brothers were permitted to take a number of North Stars players to San Jose.

1990: Relocation Request and Expansion Franchise

In 1990, the North Stars' ownership requested permission to move the team to the San Francisco Bay Area, which was rejected, but the league agreed to award an expansion franchise, the San Jose Sharks, to the Gund brothers instead.

1991: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 1991, the team appeared in the Stanley Cup Final.

March 10, 1993: Permission Granted to Move to Dallas

On March 10, 1993, Green obtained permission from the league to move the team to Dallas for the 1993-94 season.

October 5, 1993: First NHL Game in Dallas

On October 5, 1993, the first NHL game in Dallas was played, with the Stars winning 6-4 against the Detroit Red Wings.

1993: Relocation to Dallas

In 1993, the Dallas Stars relocated to Dallas and played in Reunion Arena.

1993: Relocation to Dallas and Renaming

In 1993, the franchise relocated to Dallas and was renamed the Dallas Stars.

1993: 10th Head Coach since Move to Dallas

On June 21, 2022, the Stars hired Peter DeBoer as their head coach, the 10th in franchise history since the team moved to Dallas in 1993.

1994: Franchise Bests and Playoff Qualification

In 1994, the Stars set franchise bests in wins (42) and points (97), qualifying for the playoffs and sweeping the St. Louis Blues in the first round.

1994: Bested Their 1994 Totals

In 1996, the Stars bested their 1994 totals, posting 48 wins and reaching the 100-point mark.

1994: Stars Made Playoffs

In the 1994-95 season, the Stars made the playoffs.

December 1995: Tom Hicks Buys the Team

In December 1995, Green sold the team to businessman Tom Hicks due to financial problems.

1995: First Stanley Cup Final Appearance as Dallas Stars

In 1995, the Dallas Stars made their first Stanley Cup Final appearance after relocating from Minnesota. This marked their first appearance in the final series as the Dallas Stars, where they faced the New Jersey Devils. Dallas lost the series in game 6 on a double-overtime goal by New Jersey forward Jason Arnott.

1995: Tom Hicks Becomes New Owner

The 1995-96 season marked the first season under new owner Tom Hicks.

1996: Roster Changes and Division Title

In 1996, the Stars added Darryl Sydor and Sergei Zubov to their roster. The Stars also won the Central Division.

1997: Signing Ed Belfour

In 1997, the Stars signed star goaltender Ed Belfour as a free agent.

1998: Presidents' Trophy and Central Division Title

In 1998, the Dallas Stars won the Presidents' Trophy and the Central Division title for the second season in a row, setting franchise records in wins and points.

1998: Signing Brett Hull

In 1998, the Stars added Brett Hull, and it was the first season for the Stars in the Pacific Division after the 1998 NHL division re-alignment.

1998: Division Re-Alignment

In the 1998–99 season, this was the first season for the Stars in the Pacific Division after the 1998 NHL division re-alignment.

1998: First Central Division Title since 1998

In the 2015-16 season, the Stars won their first Central Division title since 1998.

1999: Joe Nieuwendyk traded to New Jersey Devils

During the 2001-2002 season, Joe Nieuwendyk was traded to the New Jersey Devils.

1999: Stanley Cup Victory

In 1999, the Dallas Stars won the Stanley Cup with Joe Nieuwendyk winning the Conn Smythe Trophy.

1999: Record-Breaking Season and Awards

In 1999, the Stars won 51 games, recorded 114 points, won their first Pacific Division title, a second consecutive Presidents' Trophy, the Jennings Trophy, and Jere Lehtinen was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy.

December 31, 1999: Brett Hull Scores 600th and 601st Career Goals

On December 31, 1999, Brett Hull achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 600th and 601st career goals during a game against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The Dallas Stars won the game with a score of 5-4.

2000: Stars Capture Pacific Division

During the 2000 season, the Stars captured the Pacific Division after posting a solid 48–24–8–2 record.

2000: Jason Arnott acquired from New Jersey Devils

During the 2001-2002 season, Jason Arnott, who scored the game-winning goal in the 2000 Cup Final against Dallas, was acquired from the New Jersey Devils.

2000: Neal Broten Inducted into US Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2000, Neal Broten was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

2000: Stars reach Stanley Cup Final against New Jersey Devils

In 2000, the Dallas Stars, after defeating the Colorado Avalanche in the conference finals, reached their second consecutive Stanley Cup Final. However, because the Devils finished the regular season with one more point than Dallas, the Stars had to play their first playoff series without home-ice advantage since 1995. The Stars lost all three games at the Reunion Arena, and lost the series in game 6 on a double-overtime goal by New Jersey forward Jason Arnott.

2000: Expansion Franchise Promised to Twin Cities

In 2000, the NHL fulfilled its promise to award an expansion franchise to the Twin Cities, resulting in the creation of the Minnesota Wild.

2000: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 2000, the team appeared in the Stanley Cup Final.

2000: First Stanley Cup Final since 2000

In 2020, the Stars advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2000, ultimately falling to the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games.

2001: Move to American Airlines Center

In 2001, the Stars moved from Reunion Arena to the American Airlines Center, which they share with the Dallas Mavericks.

2001: Playoffs against St. Louis Blues

In the 2015-16 season, the Stars faced the St. Louis Blues in the playoffs for the first time since 2001, but lost the series in seven games.

2002: Marty Turco Awarded Starting Goaltender Position

In 2002, Marty Turco was awarded the starting goaltender position for the Dallas Stars. Also in 2002, Ed Belfour left via free agency to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

2003: Mike Modano Served as Team Captain

Mike Modano had served as team captain since 2003, prior to Brenden Morrow being announced as new team captain on September 29, 2006.

2003: Shaky Start to the 2003-04 Season

The Dallas Stars had a shaky start to the 2003-04 season, playing mediocre hockey through the first three months.

2004: Stars Climb Playoff Ladder

As the calendar turned to 2004, the Dallas Stars began to find their game, eventually reaching second place in the Pacific Division with a 41–26–13–2 record. Also in 2004, Marty Turco had another outstanding season, recording a 1.98 GAA.

2004: Owners' Lockout

The 2004-05 season was cancelled due to the owners' lockout.

2005: Stars Start Season Strongly After Lockout

Coming out of the owners' lockout that cancelled the entire 2004–05 season, the Stars remained one of the strongest teams in the Western Conference for the start of 2005–06, winning four of their first five games on the way to a solid October.

September 29, 2006: Brenden Morrow Announced as Team Captain

On September 29, 2006, Brenden Morrow was announced as the new team captain of the Dallas Stars, succeeding Mike Modano, who had held the position since 2003.

2006: Stars Make Off-Season Changes

Following the previous season's disappointing first-round playoff loss, the Stars made a number of changes during the 2006 off-season, including promoting Andy Moog and hiring Ulf Dahlen. They also allowed Jason Arnott, Willie Mitchell, and Johan Hedberg to leave as free agents. Other changes for the 2006 season include Former Stars goalkeeper Andy Moog being promoted to assistant general manager for player development (he kept his job as goaltending coach) and former player Ulf Dahlen being hired as an assistant coach.

January 24, 2007: NHL All-Star Game Held at American Airlines Center

On January 24, 2007, the NHL All-Star Game was held at the American Airlines Center. Philippe Boucher and Marty Turco represented the Stars as part of the Western Conference All-Star roster.

March 13, 2007: Mike Modano Scores 500th Career Goal

On March 13, 2007, Mike Modano scored his 500th career NHL goal, becoming the 39th player and second American to reach this milestone.

November 8, 2007: Mike Modano Becomes Top American-Born Point Scorer

On November 8, 2007, Mike Modano became the top American-born point scorer of all time, scoring against San Jose Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov.

February 26, 2008: Stars trade for Brad Richards

On February 26, 2008, the Dallas Stars traded for All-Star center Brad Richards from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Mike Smith, Jussi Jokinen, and Jeff Halpern.

2008: Brenden Morrow injured and Sean Avery Suspended

In 2008-09, Brenden Morrow suffered an ACL tear early in the season, and Sean Avery was suspended after making inappropriate comments about Elisha Cuthbert and Dion Phaneuf.

June 10, 2009: Dave Tippett fired as head coach

On June 10, 2009, the Dallas Stars fired head coach Dave Tippett after six seasons. Marc Crawford was hired as his replacement the next day.

2009: Brett Hull Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2009, Brett Hull became the first Dallas Stars player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

2009: Zubov Leaves the League

Sergei Zubov, Stars' top defenseman and powerplay quarterback, left the league in 2009.

October 8, 2010: Stars beat the New Jersey Devils in Overtime

On October 8, 2010, the Dallas Stars won their season opener against the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in overtime, marking the first game of a three-game winning streak.

February 28, 2011: Stars trade for Alex Goligoski

On February 28, 2011, at the trade deadline, the Dallas Stars traded James Neal and Matt Niskanen to the Pittsburgh Penguins for defenseman Alex Goligoski.

June 16, 2011: Glen Gulutzan Hired as Head Coach

On June 16, 2011, the Dallas Stars hired Glen Gulutzan as their head coach.

September 13, 2011: Stars to File for Bankruptcy and be Sold at Auction

On September 13, 2011, lenders voted for the Dallas Stars to file for bankruptcy and be sold at auction.

September 21, 2011: Mike Modano Announces Retirement

On September 21, 2011, Mike Modano officially announced his retirement from the NHL.

October 22, 2011: Bids to Buy the Stars Due

By October 22, 2011, competing bids to buy the Dallas Stars were due, with Tom Gaglardi's bid being the only one submitted.

November 18, 2011: Tom Gaglardi's Purchase Approved

On November 18, 2011, the NHL Board of Governors approved Tom Gaglardi's purchase of the Dallas Stars.

2011: Ed Belfour and Joe Nieuwendyk Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2011, Ed Belfour and Joe Nieuwendyk were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

March 26, 2012: Stars begin Western Road Trip

On March 26, 2012, the Dallas Stars began a crucial Western road trip, starting with a game against the Calgary Flames, as they aimed to secure their first Pacific Division title since the 2005-06 season.

July 1, 2012: Stars Sign Jaromir Jagr, Ray Whitney, and Aaron Rome

On July 1, 2012, the Dallas Stars signed veteran free agents Jaromir Jagr, Ray Whitney, and Aaron Rome.

January 2013: NHL Lockout Ends

In January 2013, the NHL lockout ended, and the Dallas Stars embarked on a shortened 48-game season.

May 14, 2013: Joe Nieuwendyk fired as general manager

On May 14, 2013, the Dallas Stars fired general manager Joe Nieuwendyk.

May 31, 2013: Scott White Re-introduced as Director of Hockey Operations

On May 31, 2013, Scott White was re-introduced as the director of hockey operations for the Dallas Stars.

June 21, 2013: Lindy Ruff hired as head coach

On June 21, 2013, the Dallas Stars hired Lindy Ruff as their new head coach.

July 1, 2014: Ales Hemsky signs with Stars

On July 1, 2014, Ales Hemsky, a player from the Ottawa Senators, signed with the Dallas Stars as a free agent on a three-year, $12 million contract.

2014: Mike Modano Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2014, Mike Modano, the highest-scoring player in franchise history, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

April 11, 2015: Jamie Benn wins Art Ross Trophy

On April 11, 2015, Jamie Benn scored four points in the Stars' last regular season game to finish with 87 points and win the Art Ross Trophy, overtaking John Tavares for the award.

2015: Stars add Patrick Sharp and Johnny Oduya

In 2015, the Stars traded for Patrick Sharp and Stephen Johns from the Chicago Blackhawks and signed Johnny Oduya as a free agent.

2016: Stars win Central Division title

In 2016, the Stars won their first Central Division title since 1998 and had the best record in the Western Conference, but lost to the St. Louis Blues in the second round of the playoffs.

2016: Injury-plagued season

In the 2016-17 season, the Stars finished with a 34–37–11 record, missing the playoffs.

2016: Return to the Playoffs

In the 2018-19 season, the Stars returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

2016: First Playoff Series vs. Minnesota Wild since 2016

In the 2023 playoffs, the Stars matched up against the Minnesota Wild for their first playoff series versus one another since 2016.

2017: Lindy Ruff's contract not renewed

Due to missing the 2017 playoffs, the Stars announced that head coach Lindy Ruff's contract would not be renewed.

2017: Antti Niemi and Patrick Sharp lost in free agency

In the 2017 off-season, the Stars lost goaltender Antti Niemi and forward Patrick Sharp in free agency.

2017: Ken Hitchcock returns as head coach

In the 2017–18 season, Ken Hitchcock returned as head coach; however, the Stars missed the playoffs.

2017: Jamie Benn's "Bennaissance" Season

In the 2022-23 season, Jamie Benn finished with a 78-point season for his first 75-plus point season since 2017-18, in what was nicknamed the "Bennaissance".

May 2018: Rick Bowness Joins Stars as Assistant Coach

In May 2018, Rick Bowness joined the Stars as an assistant coach, a month after Jim Montgomery's hiring.

2018: Missed Playoffs

Due to injuries in the 2020-21 season, the Stars missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

July 1, 2019: Stars Add Joe Pavelski and Corey Perry

On July 1, 2019, the Stars added veteran forwards Joe Pavelski and Corey Perry in free agency.

January 1, 2020: Stars host 2020 Winter Classic

On January 1, 2020, the Stars hosted the Nashville Predators in the 2020 Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl, winning 4-2 in front of 85,630 fans.

March 2020: NHL Season Suspended Due to COVID-19

In March 2020, the NHL regular season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Stars holding a 37-24-8 record through 69 games.

August 2020: Stars Advance to Playoffs After Round-Robin Tournament

In August 2020, the NHL returned from its COVID-19 suspension, and the Stars advanced to the playoffs after participating in a round-robin tournament.

October 29, 2020: Rick Bowness Named Full-Time Head Coach

On October 29, 2020, Rick Bowness was named full-time head coach of the Stars after serving as interim coach during the 2020 Stanley Cup Final run.

2020: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 2020, the team appeared in the Stanley Cup Final.

2020: Conference Finals Rematch vs. Vegas Golden Knights

In the 2023 playoffs, the Stars faced the Vegas Golden Knights in the conference finals, a rematch of the 2020 conference finals.

2021: Rebound Season

In the 2021-22 season, the Stars rebounded with a 98-point record, securing a wild-card spot but were defeated by the Calgary Flames in the first round of the playoffs.

June 21, 2022: Peter DeBoer Hired as Head Coach

On June 21, 2022, the Stars hired Peter DeBoer to replace Rick Bowness as their head coach.

March 31, 2023: Jason Robertson Sets New Dallas Stars Record

On March 31, 2023, Jason Robertson set a new Dallas Stars record for total points in a season with 109 points, surpassing Mike Modano's previous record.

July 3, 2024: Diamond Sports Group Terminates Contract

On July 3, 2024, Diamond Sports Group, the owner of Bally Sports Southwest, agreed to terminate their contract with the Dallas Stars.

2024: Stars Clinch Central Division Title

In 2024, the Stars clinched their fourth Central Division title, finishing as the top seed in the Western Conference, but lost to the Edmonton Oilers in the conference finals.

2025: New Alternate Uniform Unveiled

During the 2025-26 season, the Dallas Stars unveiled a new alternate uniform patterned after the All-Star Game-inspired green uniforms they wore from 1997 to 2007, but recolored to a black base with green and silver accents. The uniform set was nicknamed "The '99" in homage to the Stars' 1999 Stanley Cup victory.