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. From 1993 to 2001, they played at Reunion Arena before moving to the American Airlines Center, which they share with the Dallas Mavericks. The Stars are a prominent fixture in Dallas's sports scene.

1940: Lowest Goals-Against Average (GAA)

In the 2002-03 season, Marty Turco went on to have one of the best seasons in NHL history, posting the lowest goals-against average (GAA) since 1940, at 1.76.

1967: Minnesota North Stars Founded

In 1967, the Dallas Stars franchise was founded as the Minnesota North Stars during the NHL expansion and were based in Bloomington, Minnesota.

1978: Merger with Cleveland Barons

Before the 1978-79 NHL season, the Minnesota North Stars merged with the Cleveland Barons after the league granted them permission due to each team's financial struggles.

1980: Reunion Arena Built

In 1980, Reunion Arena was built, becoming the home of the Dallas Mavericks before the Stars moved to Dallas.

1981: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 1981, the Minnesota North Stars appeared in the Stanley Cup Final.

1983: First Division Title Since 1983-84

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

1987: Kelly Hrudey's 73 Saves

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

1990: Declining Profits and Relocation Attempts

After the 1990-91 season, the North Stars suffered through declining profits coupled with distraction and uncertainty caused by relocation attempts. The team's fortunes were further impeded by the terms of the settlement with the Gund brothers, in which they were permitted to take a number of North Stars players to San Jose.

1990: Relocation Request to San Francisco Bay Area Rejected

By the early 1990s, declining attendance led ownership to request permission to move the team to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1990. The league rejected the request and instead agreed to award an expansion franchise, the San Jose Sharks, to the Gund brothers.

1991: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 1991, the Minnesota North Stars 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; the decision was announced on this date. Roger Staubach convinced Green that Dallas would be a suitable market for an NHL team.

October 5, 1993: First NHL Game in Dallas

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

1993: Relocation to Dallas

For the 1993-94 NHL season, the franchise relocated to Dallas and was renamed the Dallas Stars.

1993: Stars Played in Reunion Arena

In 1993, the Dallas Stars started playing their home games in Reunion Arena located in downtown Dallas.

1993: Franchise Moved to Dallas

The Stars hired Peter DeBoer to replace Bowness as their head coach, the 10th in franchise history since the team moved to Dallas in 1993, before the 2022-2023 season.

1994: Playoff Qualification and Success

In 1994, the Dallas Stars set franchise bests in wins (42) and points (97) in their first season in Dallas, qualifying for the 1994 playoffs. They swept the St. Louis Blues in the first round but lost to the Vancouver Canucks in the second round.

1994: Lockout-Shortened Season

The 1994–95 season was shortened by an owners' lockout. The Stars traded Mark Tinordi and Rick Mrozik to the Washington Capitals for Kevin Hatcher. Neal Broten was traded to the New Jersey Devils. Derian Hatcher replaced Broten as team captain.

1994: Bested Regular Season Wins

The Stars bested their 1994 regular season wins and points totals in 1996.

December 1995: Team Sold to Tom Hicks

In December 1995, Green, facing financial problems, was forced to sell the team to businessman Tom Hicks.

1995: Stanley Cup Finals

Between 1995 and 2003, the Dallas Stars made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. This was the only time between 1995 and 2003 that a team other than the New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche or Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup.

1995: Home-Ice Advantage Lost in Playoffs

In 1995, the Stars had to play their first playoff series without home-ice advantage since 1995 against the New Jersey Devils.

1995: First Season Under Tom Hicks

The 1995-96 season was the first under new owner Tom Hicks. Guy Carbonneau was acquired. Joe Nieuwendyk was traded for. Ken Hitchcock was hired as head coach in January 1996.

1996: Roster Revamp and Division Title

In 1996, the Stars added Darryl Sydor and Sergei Zubov. The team posted 48 wins and reached the 100-point mark for the first time in franchise history. The Stars won the Central Division, their first division title since 1983-84.

1997: Signing Ed Belfour

During the 1997 off-season, the Stars signed star goaltender Ed Belfour as a free agent after a falling-out with the San Jose Sharks.

1998: Division Realignment

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

1998: Stars last Central Division title

In 1998, before the 2015-16 season, the Stars had last won their Central Division title.

1998: Acquisition of Brett Hull and Division Realignment

In the 1998 off-season, the Stars acquired Brett Hull as a free agent. This was also the first season for the Stars in the Pacific Division after the NHL division re-alignment.

1998: Another Banner Year and Presidents' Trophy

The 1997-98 season was another banner year for the Stars as they set franchise records in wins and points. They won the Presidents' Trophy and the Central Division title for the second season in a row.

1999: Trade of Joe Nieuwendyk and Jamie Langenbrunner

Due to struggling performance in 2001, the Stars traded 1999 Conn Smythe winner Joe Nieuwendyk and Jamie Langenbrunner to the New Jersey Devils.

1999: Stanley Cup Win

In 1999, the Dallas Stars won the Stanley Cup, and Joe Nieuwendyk won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.

1999: Record-Breaking Season and Awards

In the 1998–99 season, the Stars won 51 games and recorded 114 points, both franchise records. They won the Pacific Division, a second consecutive Presidents' Trophy, and the Jennings Trophy. 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, contributing to the Stars' 5–4 victory.

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: Playoff Run

In 2000, the Stars posted a solid 48–24–8–2 record and captured the Pacific Division. In the playoffs, the Stars and the Edmonton Oilers met in the first round.

2000: Minnesota Wild Expansion Franchise

In 2000, to quell the controversy surrounding the North Stars move to Dallas, the NHL promised that the Twin Cities would receive an expansion franchise, which was fulfilled in the form of the Minnesota Wild.

2000: Trade for Jason Arnott

In 2001, as part of a trade, the Stars acquired Jason Arnott from the New Jersey Devils, who previously scored the game-winning goal in the 2000 Cup Final against Dallas.

2000: Stars Advance to Stanley Cup Final

The Stars advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2000, before the 2019-2020 season, but lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games.

2001: Stars last played St. Louis Blues in playoffs

Before the 2016 playoffs, the Stars last faced the St. Louis Blues in the playoffs in 2001.

2001: Stars Moved to American Airlines Center

In 2001, the Dallas Stars moved from Reunion Arena to the American Airlines Center in Dallas's Victory Park neighborhood, sharing the arena with the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA.

2002: Marty Turco Awarded Goaltending Position

In 2002, Ed Belfour left and the Stars awarded the starting goaltending position to Marty Turco, who posted a low goals-against average.

2003: Stanley Cup Finals

2003: Shaky Start to Season

Coming off their disappointing playoff loss, the Stars had a shaky start to the 2003–04 season, playing mediocre hockey through the first three months.

2003: Mike Modano Incumbent as Captain

On September 29, 2006, Brenden Morrow was announced as new team captain, taking the role over from Mike Modano, who had served as the incumbent since 2003.

2004: Improved Performance and Playoff Appearance

In 2004, the Stars began to find their game, posting a 9–4–3 record in January and eventually reaching second place in the Pacific Division but they were beaten by the Colorado Avalanche in five games in the first round of the playoffs.

2004: Lockout and Season Cancellation

The 2004–05 NHL season was cancelled due to an owners' lockout.

2005: Strong Start After Lockout

Coming out of the owners' lockout in 2005, the Stars remained one of the strongest teams in the Western Conference, winning four of their first five games and finishing with a record of 53–23–6.

September 29, 2006: Brenden Morrow Named Team Captain

On September 29, 2006, Brenden Morrow was announced as the new team captain, taking over from Mike Modano.

2006: Changes During Off-Season

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.

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

On January 24, 2007, the NHL All-Star Game was held at American Airlines Center, with Philippe Boucher and Marty Turco representing the Stars.

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

On March 13, 2007, Mike Modano achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 500th career NHL goal.

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, finishing off a shorthanded breakaway opportunity.

February 26, 2008: Stars trade for Brad Richards

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

June 10, 2009: Stars fire Dave Tippett, hire Marc Crawford

On June 10, 2009, the Dallas Stars fired head coach Dave Tippett after six seasons. The following 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, who had been the Stars' top defenseman and powerplay quarterback, left the league.

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

On October 8, 2010, the Dallas Stars began the 2010-11 season with a 4-3 overtime win against the New Jersey Devils, marking the start of a three-game win streak.

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

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

June 16, 2011: Stars hire Glen Gulutzan as head coach

On June 16, 2011, the Dallas Stars hired Glen Gulutzan as their head coach, the sixth since the team's move from Minnesota.

September 13, 2011: Stars file for bankruptcy and are 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 announced his retirement from the NHL.

October 22, 2011: Bids to buy the Stars were due

By October 22, 2011, all competing bids to buy the Dallas Stars were due.

November 18, 2011: Tom Gaglardi's purchase is 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 embarked on a Western road trip, beginning with a game against the Calgary Flames.

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, following the end of the NHL lockout, the Dallas Stars began a 48-game season characterized by inconsistent performance.

May 14, 2013: Stars fire General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk

On May 14, 2013, the Dallas Stars fired general manager Joe Nieuwendyk after the end of the 2012-13 season.

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: Stars hire Lindy Ruff as new 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, a player from the Ottawa Senators, as a free agent 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; he is the highest-scoring player in franchise history.

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, totaling 87 points for the season, securing the Art Ross Trophy. His final point, a secondary assist with 8.5 seconds left, edged out John Tavares for the award.

2015: Stars Additions During Off-Season

During the 2015 off-season, the Stars acquired Patrick Sharp and Stephen Johns from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Trevor Daley and Ryan Garbutt. They also signed Johnny Oduya as a free agent.

2016: Stars miss playoffs

During the 2016-17 season, the Stars finished with a 34–37–11 record, and missed the playoffs for the seventh time in the past nine seasons.

2016: Stars win Central Division title

In the 2015–16 season, the Stars won their first Central Division title since 1998 and had the best regular season record in the Western Conference. They were later defeated by the St. Louis Blues in seven games in the second round of the 2016 playoffs.

2016: Stars return to the playoffs

Jim Montgomery's first season as the Stars coach saw the team return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

2016: First playoff series against Minnesota Wild since 2016

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.

2017: Jamie Benn's Bennaissance

Before the 2022-23 season, Jamie Benn had a resurgent season, finishing with a 78-point season for his first 75-plus point season since 2017–18, a season nicknamed by Stars fans as the "Bennaissance".

2017: Lindy Ruff's contract not renewed

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

2017: Stars lose players in free agency

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

2017: Ken Hitchcock returns as head coach

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

May 2018: Rick Bowness Joins Stars as Assistant Coach

Rick Bowness joined the team as an assistant coach a month after Jim Montgomery's hiring in May 2018.

2018: Stars Fail to Qualify for Playoffs

Before the 2020-21 season, the last time the team had failed to qualify for a playoff spot was in 2018.

July 1, 2019: Stars Add Pavelski and 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. It was the first NHL outdoor game for both teams and had the second-highest attendance in NHL history with 85,630 attendees.

March 2020: NHL Season Suspended Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

In March 2020, the NHL regular season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

August 2020: Stars Advance to Playoffs After Season Resumes

In August 2020, the NHL returned from the March 2020 abrupt regular season stoppage, and the Stars advanced to the playoffs.

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.

2020: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

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

2020: Rematch of 2020 Conference Finals

The Stars won game 7 in the second round of the 2023 playoffs against the Seattle Kraken sending the Stars to the conference finals and setting up a rematch of the 2020 conference finals versus the Vegas Golden Knights.

2021: Stars Rebound in the 2021-22 season

In the 2021–22 season, the Stars rebounded with a 98-point 46–30–6 record, good enough for the first wild-card spot and seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs, where they played the Pacific Division-champion and second-seeded Calgary Flames in the first round.

June 21, 2022: Stars Hire Peter DeBoer

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 the previous record of 93 points set by Mike Modano in the Stars' first season in Dallas back in 1993–94.