The Dallas Stars begin training camp on September 17th, with their inaugural preseason matchup taking place on the 21st in St. Louis against the Blues. As we approach the 2026-27 campaign, this preview series examines the roster’s composition heading into the regular season. Today, we focus on a defensive unit that has consistently ranked among the league’s elite.
Over the past four seasons, Dallas has placed third in the NHL for goals allowed per game (2.72) and tenth for shots allowed per game (28.4). During this span, Esa Lindell has posted a plus-110 rating, ranking third among defensemen, while Thomas Harley sits in the top fifteen.
While high-profile forwards like Jason Robertson, Mikko Rantanen, Wyatt Johnston, and goaltender Jake Oettinger often capture the spotlight, the Stars’ defense has served as the cornerstone of their sustained Stanley Cup contention and is expected to remain just as steadfast in 2026-27.
Esa Lindell & Miro Heiskanen
Playing in Texas often leads to their talents being underappreciated, but Lindell and Miro Heiskanen arguably form the most underrated top defensive pairings in the NHL. Year after year, they dominate possession in their own zone, neutralize opponents, and excel on special teams.
Following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign (25 points in 50 games), Heiskanen rebounded with an exceptional 2025-26 season. The 27-year-old Finnish defenseman tallied nine goals and 63 points across 77 games, marking the second-highest offensive output of his career. Renowned for his offensive transition and puck-moving, he also boasts elite defensive awareness and discipline. His 28 power-play points ranked fourth among league defensemen, and his average of 3:27 of power-play time per game placed seventh.
In many respects, Lindell is the antithesis of Heiskanen. He is defined by his shutdown defensive prowess rather than offensive production, and his elite penalty-killing capabilities rather than power-play production. At 32 years old, he is remarkably reliable, not only defensively but also due to his exceptional availability. Since his first complete season in 2016-17, he has played fewer than 80 games on only four occasions, two of which occurred during the COVID-19 abbreviated seasons.
While Heiskanen is one of the premier power-play quarterbacks in the league, Lindell is arguably the best penalty killer. Since the 2022-23 season, he has led all defensemen in penalty-kill minutes with 1,194:23, significantly outpacing Gustav Forsling’s 988:32.
Thomas Harley & Nils Lundkvist
There is great anticipation surrounding the pairing of Thomas Harley and Nils Lundkvist this season. Both players possess significant offensive upside and have diligently improved the defensive aspects of their games.
Harley experienced a regression last season after a promising career start and is eager to return to form. He recorded just six goals and 36 points, a sharp decline from the 31 and 97 points he accumulated in his previous two seasons combined. He is arguably the most pressured player on the team right now.
Firstly, on a team aiming to win the Stanley Cup, star players must perform at their peak. Secondly, this is the first year of an eight-year contract extension averaging $10.59 million annually. It is a challenging narrative to sign a lucrative deal and immediately follow it with a subpar season.
Lundkvist took time to realize the potential the Stars envisioned, but their patience is finally yielding results. When he initially debuted with the New York Rangers, he was lauded for his offensive upside. Throughout his tenure in Dallas, he attempted to prioritize defensive responsibilities, which occasionally hindered his natural style of play.
Under head coach Glen Gulutzan last season, we witnessed a player who appeared liberated to play to his strengths. Although the statistics did not reflect it, it was arguably the finest season of his young career.
Lian Bichsel & Tyler Myers
Lian Bichsel and Tyler Myers complete Dallas’ defensive pairings and are well-positioned for success. Standing at 6-foot-7 and 237 pounds, Bichsel provides the imposing physicality the Stars have long sought. He is aggressive and unafraid to engage physically. At 22 years old, he still has room to develop and eliminate defensive bad habits.
However, the Stars surround him with skilled players on both sides of the puck. They are reliable and responsible. Bichsel does not need to be flawless; rather, the Stars desperately need a player that opponents fear. If he remains healthy, they have finally found that player.
Myers had a difficult adjustment after joining the Stars at the trade deadline in March. He never quite found his comfort zone, which carried over into the team’s brief playoff run. As a veteran professional, Myers is expected to thrive after a full training camp in Dallas.
For the third pairing, the Stars do not require him to be a dynamic puck mover or facilitator. They simply need him to make sound, defensive plays and be reliable.
If Healthy, Stars’ Defense Poised For a Strong Year
Health is paramount to the Stars’ season, particularly given its impact on their playoff run last spring. This rings especially true for their defensive corps. With Alexander Petrovic’s departure this summer, Dallas is severely lacking in blue-line depth. Kyle Capobianco provides a capable third-pairing option, but beyond him, the reserves are thin.
The top three pairings arguably constitute the best defensive group in the league. The depth at the top is not a concern. However, if any blueliner is sidelined for an extended period, major concerns will inevitably arise.