History of Dallas Stars in Timeline

The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, competing in the NHL's Central Division within the Western Conference. From 1993 to 2001, they played at Reunion Arena before moving to the American Airlines Center, which they share with the Dallas Mavericks. The team's location in Dallas places them in the Victory Park neighborhood.

1967: Minnesota North Stars Begin Play

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

1967: Franchise Founded as Minnesota North Stars

In 1967, the franchise 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 of both teams.

1980: Reunion Arena Built

In 1980, Reunion Arena was built. The Dallas Stars moved into this arena in 1993.

1981: Stanley Cup Final Loss

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

1983: First Division Title Since 1983-84 Season

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

1987: Jake Oettinger Records Second-Highest Saves in Playoff History

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

1990: Declining Profits and Relocation Attempts

After the 1990-91 season, the North Stars faced declining profits and uncertainty due to relocation attempts and the settlement with the Gund brothers, who were permitted to take North Stars players to San Jose.

1990: Relocation Request and Rejection

In 1990, declining attendance led ownership to request permission to move the team to the San Francisco Bay Area, which was rejected. The San Jose Sharks were awarded an expansion franchise instead.

1991: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 1991, the team, as the Minnesota North Stars, appeared in the Stanley Cup Final.

March 10, 1993: Move to Dallas Approved

On March 10, 1993, the league approved the team's move to Dallas for the 1993-94 season. Roger Staubach convinced Norman Green that Dallas would be a suitable market.

October 5, 1993: First NHL Game in Dallas

On October 5, 1993, the first NHL game in Dallas was played, a 6–4 win against the Detroit Red Wings, with Neal Broten scoring the first Stars goal.

1993: Stars Arrive in Dallas

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

1993: DeBoer Hired as 10th Coach Since Move to Dallas

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

1994: Trades and Captaincy Changes

In 1994, during the lockout shortened season, the Stars traded Mark Tinordi and Rick Mrozik for Kevin Hatcher. Neal Broten was initially named captain but was later traded and replaced by Derian Hatcher.

1994: Playoff Qualification

In 1994, the Stars qualified for the playoffs after setting franchise bests in wins and points in their first season in Dallas.

1994: Comparison to 1994 Totals

In 1996, The Stars bested their 1994 totals, posting 48 wins and reaching the 100-point mark for the first time in franchise history.

December 1995: Team Sold to Tom Hicks

In December 1995, Norman Green, facing financial problems, sold the Dallas Stars to businessman Tom Hicks.

1995: Trades and Coaching Change

In 1995, the Stars traded for Guy Carbonneau. They later traded Corey Millen and Jarome Iginla for Joe Nieuwendyk. Bob Gainey relinquished coaching duties in January, and Ken Hitchcock was hired to replace him.

1996: Roster Revamp and Division Title

In 1996, the Stars added Darryl Sydor and Sergei Zubov. The team also won the Central Division, their first division title since 1983-84, but were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers.

1997: Signing of Ed Belfour

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

1998: Last Central Division Title Before 2016

Before their win in 2016, the Dallas Stars had not won a Central Division title since 1998.

1998: Presidents' Trophy and Playoff Run

In 1998, the Stars won the Presidents' Trophy and Central Division title, and acquired Mike Keane. They reached the conference finals but lost to the Detroit Red Wings.

1998: Division Re-alignment

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

1998: Signing of Brett Hull

In the 1998 off-season, the Stars added Brett Hull to the roster. This season also marked the Stars' first in the Pacific Division.

1999: Stanley Cup Victory

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

1999: Record-Setting Season

In the 1998–99 season, the Stars achieved a franchise record of 51 wins and 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 in a 5–4 victory against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

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: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 2000, the Dallas Stars appeared in the Stanley Cup Final.

2000: Minnesota Wild Franchise Awarded

In 2000, the NHL fulfilled its promise by awarding the Twin Cities an expansion franchise in the form of the Minnesota Wild.

2000: Stars Reach Stanley Cup Final

In 2020, the Stars advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2000, ultimately losing 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, sharing the arena with the Dallas Mavericks.

2001: First Playoff Series Against Blues Since 2001

In 2016, the Stars faced the St. Louis Blues in the playoffs for the first time since 2001. They lost the series in seven games.

September 29, 2006: Brenden Morrow Named Team Captain

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

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

On January 24, 2007, the NHL All-Star Game took place at the American Airlines Center. Philippe Boucher and Marty Turco of the Stars were selected to represent the Western Conference All-Star roster.

March 13, 2007: Mike Modano Scored His 500th Career NHL Goal

On March 13, 2007, Mike Modano reached a significant milestone by scoring his 500th career NHL goal, becoming only the 39th player and the second American to achieve this feat.

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

On November 8, 2007, Mike Modano became the all-time leading American-born point scorer, achieving this milestone on a shorthanded breakaway 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: Morrow's ACL tear and Avery's suspension

In 2008, Brenden Morrow suffered an ACL tear early in the season. Sean Avery's suspension for comments about Elisha Cuthbert and Dion Phaneuf, along with injuries to Richards and Zubov, led to the Stars missing the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

June 10, 2009: Dave Tippett fired, Marc Crawford hired

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

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: Sergei Zubov Leaves the League

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

October 8, 2010: Stars win season opener

On October 8, 2010, the Dallas Stars won their season opener against the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in overtime, marking the beginning of a three-game win streak, their first since the 2008-09 season.

February 28, 2011: Stars trade James Neal and Matt Niskanen

On February 28, 2011, at the trade deadline, the Stars traded James Neal and Matt Niskanen to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for 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, making him the sixth coach since the team's move from Minnesota.

September 13, 2011: Stars file for bankruptcy

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, a long-time player for the franchise, announced his retirement from the league.

October 22, 2011: Bids due for Stars purchase

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: Gaglardi 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 lose to Flames

On March 26, 2012, the Dallas Stars lost 5-4 to the Calgary Flames, beginning a critical Western road trip.

July 1, 2012: Stars sign free agent veterans

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

January 2013: Stars embark on up-and-down season

In January 2013, after the NHL lockout ended and a 48-game season began, the Dallas Stars embarked on an up-and-down season, remaining in contention for a Western Conference playoff spot for most of the shortened season.

May 14, 2013: Joe Nieuwendyk fired

On May 14, 2013, the Dallas Stars fired general manager Joe Nieuwendyk after their final regular season game.

May 31, 2013: Scott White re-introduced

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: Stars Sign Ales Hemsky

On July 1, 2014, the Dallas Stars signed Ales Hemsky as a free agent. Hemsky agreed to a three-year contract worth $12 million.

2014: Mike Modano Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

In 2014, Mike Modano was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

April 11, 2015: Jamie Benn Wins Art Ross Trophy

On April 11, 2015, Jamie Benn secured the Art Ross Trophy. Benn tallied four points in the Stars' final regular season game, finishing with 87 points, surpassing John Tavares by one point.

2015: Stars Additions

In the 2015 off-season, the Stars traded for Patrick Sharp and Stephen Johns and signed Johnny Oduya.

2016: Stars Return to Playoffs

In 2016 the Stars returned to the playoffs.

2016: Stars Win Central Division Title

In 2016, the Dallas Stars won their first Central Division title since 1998 and had the best record in the Western Conference.

2016: First Playoff Series Versus Minnesota Wild

The Stars entered the 2023 playoffs as the number two seed in the Central Division, matching them up in a first round series against the Minnesota Wild for their first playoff series versus one another since 2016.

2016: Injury Plagued Season

The Stars had an injury-plagued 2016-17 season.

2017: Stars Miss Playoffs, Ruff's Contract Not Renewed

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

2017: Stars Lose Niemi and Sharp

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

2017: Jamie Benn Season

In the 2022-2023 season, Captain Jamie Benn had a resurgent season, nicknamed the "Bennaissance" for his first 75-plus point season since 2017–18.

2017: Ken Hitchcock Returns as Head Coach

Ken Hitchcock returned as head coach for the 2017-18 season.

May 2018: Rick Bowness Joins as Assistant Coach

In May 2018, Rick Bowness joined the Dallas Stars as an assistant coach, one month after Jim Montgomery was hired as head coach.

2018: First Time Since 2018 That Team Failed to Qualify for a Playoff Spot

The 2020-2021 season marked the first time since 2018 where the team failed to qualify for a playoff spot.

July 1, 2019: Stars Add Pavelski and Perry

On July 1, 2019, the Dallas 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 Dallas Stars hosted the Nashville Predators in the 2020 Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl, winning 4-2. It was the first NHL outdoor game for both teams, with a crowd of 85,630.

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 NHL Return

In August 2020, after the NHL returned from the COVID-19 pandemic stoppage, the Dallas Stars advanced to the playoffs.

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

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

2020: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 2020, the Dallas Stars appeared in the Stanley Cup Final.

2020: Stars Rematch of 2020

The Stars faced the Seattle Kraken in the second round of the playoffs. Sending up a rematch of the 2020 conference finals versus the Vegas Golden Knights.

2021: Stars Rebound with 98-Point Season

In the 2021–22 season, the Stars rebounded with a 98-point record, earning a wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoffs.

June 21, 2022: Stars Hire Peter DeBoer

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

March 31, 2023: Jason Robertson Sets New Stars Record

On March 31, 2023, Jason Robertson set a new Dallas Stars record for total points in a season with 109 points, surpassing the previous record of 93 points set by Mike Modano in the Stars' first season in Dallas back in 1993–94.