The Dallas Stars signed free agent Nathan Bastian on August 9, 2025, aiming to enhance their forward depth and physicality in the bottom six lineup. This move brings a 27-year-old winger, known for his size and competitive spirit, to the Stars as they prepare for the 2025-26 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL season.
Player Profile and Career Background
Nathan Bastian, born in Kitchener, Ontario, stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds, making him one of the larger forwards available. Drafted 41st overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Bastian developed through three AHL seasons with Binghamton before securing his place in the NHL. After initial NHL experience in the shortened 2020-21 campaign, he was briefly lost to Seattle in the expansion draft but was reclaimed by New Jersey shortly after.
During his time with the Devils, Bastian became a reliable bottom-six winger, appearing in 60 games in one season with 11 goals and 5 assists. Over five NHL seasons, including 17 playoff games with New Jersey, he has established himself as a player trusted by multiple coaching staffs for his work ethic and physical style.
Statistical Overview and Recent Performance
In the 2024-25 regular season with New Jersey, Bastian scored 4 goals and 6 assists for a total of 10 points across 59 games, averaging nearly 11 minutes of ice time per game. During the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he appeared in five games, logging an average of 11:36 minutes on the ice but did not record any points. His consistent physical approach is evident in his 138 hits last season alone, with over 135 hits recorded in most of his NHL campaigns.
Role and Expectations for Dallas Stars in 2025-26
The Stars acquired Bastian on a one-year contract worth $775,000—markedly less than his previous two-year deal averaging $1.35 million—signaling a “prove-it” opportunity for the winger. Dallas aims to add size and toughness to its forward group, complementing faster skaters like Colin Blackwell and Sam Steel. Bastian’s ability to deliver physical play, kill penalties, and provide steady, if unspectacular, minutes should help solidify the team’s bottom-six lines.
Bastian is known for his relentlessness on the ice and willingness to engage in physical battles, though he is not a frequent fighter. Last season, he took part in one fight and accrued 31 penalty minutes, demonstrating readiness to confront established NHL enforcers such as Ryan Lomberg, Jacob Trouba, and Ryan Hartman. His penalty-killing ability, with an average of 42 seconds of shorthanded ice time per game last season, adds versatility to the Stars roster.
Impact on Team Dynamics and Future Outlook
By bringing Bastian on board, the Dallas Stars enhance their forward depth and increase competition for playing time in the lower forward lines. His physical style aligns with the organization‘s goal of fielding a bigger, harder-to-play-against team. Although Bastian missed time due to injury and healthy scratches in recent seasons, his recent playoff experience and ability to maintain a steady presence in the lineup provide leadership qualities for the group.
This signing points to Dallas’ intention to blend skill with grit as they pursue success in the upcoming season. With Bastian motivated to renew his career on a modest contract, the Stars could benefit from a dedicated and physical competitor ready to help the team in various situations.