The Dallas Stars have finalized a two-year contract with forward Colin Blackwell, set to begin in the 2025-26 season and extend through 2026-27. The deal carries a total value of $1.55 million, with an average annual value (AAV) of $775,000, adding depth to the team‘s offensive lineup.
General Manager Highlights Blackwell’s Role and Versatility
Jim Nill, the Stars’ General Manager, expressed enthusiasm about retaining Blackwell for the coming seasons. Nill emphasized Blackwell’s significance in strengthening the forward group, particularly praising his adaptability on the ice and his dependable performance on the penalty kill.
“Colin was a valuable part of our forward depth last season, and we are excited to have him back with our organization,”
Nill said.
“His versatility on the ice and reliability on the penalty kill makes him a valuable asset to our team, and we are looking forward to seeing him on the ice in the Victory Green this year.”
—Jim Nill, General Manager
Blackwell’s Performance and Career Highlights with the Stars
At 32 years old, Blackwell delivered a productive 2024-25 season with the Stars, recording 17 points through six goals and 11 assists over 63 regular-season games. He achieved a career-high in assists and posted his third-best overall scoring season. Blackwell also led Dallas forwards in shorthanded ice time per game, accumulating nearly two minutes on the penalty kill, with a total of 119 minutes and 36 seconds. During the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he contributed three points in 18 games, including a notable overtime game-winning goal in Game 2 against the Colorado Avalanche. This goal positioned him as only the second player in franchise history to score an overtime goal in his first Stanley Cup Playoff game with the Stars or North Stars, according to <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL statistics.
Overall NHL Career and Experience
Standing five-foot-eight and weighing 190 pounds, Blackwell has amassed 91 points in 298 NHL regular-season games over his career, which has spanned several teams including the Stars, Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Chicago Blackhawks. His best season was with the Rangers in 2020-21, when he scored 12 goals and accumulated 22 points. Over the past three seasons, his average shorthanded ice time per game has consistently exceeded 1 minute and 20 seconds. Drafted 194th overall in the seventh round of the 2011 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks, Blackwell is currently ranked ninth in scoring among all active seventh-round picks.
Background in Collegiate Hockey and International Play
Before entering the NHL, Blackwell played collegiate hockey at Harvard University for four years, registering 58 points in 94 NCAA games and earning recognition as the New England Unsung Hero in 2016. The North Andover, Massachusetts native also represented the United States at the 2021 IIHF World Championship, where he served as an alternate captain and helped his team secure a bronze medal. Blackwell initially joined the Dallas Stars organization as a free agent on July 2, 2024.
Implications for the Dallas Stars Moving Forward
By signing Colin Blackwell to a two-year contract, the Dallas Stars are reinforcing their forward depth with a versatile, experienced player who has demonstrated strong penalty-killing abilities and playoff composure. His proven track record and leadership qualities are expected to contribute positively to the team’s performance in upcoming seasons. The Stars’ commitment to Blackwell signals their confidence in his continued impact as they prepare for future campaigns in the NHL.