Brendan Burke outlines how Nathan Bastian can bring grit and energy to the Dallas Stars

Brendan Burke sees Nathan Bastian as a physical force who can change the dynamic of Dallas Stars' forward group.

When the Dallas Stars signed Nathan Bastian to a one-year deal, many viewed it as a depth move. But according to broadcaster Brendan Burke, this could be a signing that makes a real difference when games get tight.

Burke praised Bastian's willingness to play a hard, physical style.

"He's not scared to take the gloves off, he's a guy you tend to notice on most shifts, in a good way and not necessarily because he's got the puck," Burke said. He emphasized that Bastian's game isn't just about size, adding, "He will go out there and throw his weight around and be physical, and he's also got some skills."

Bastian's track record backs that up. In his last season with the New Jersey Devils, he recorded 138 hits, a total that would have ranked second on the Stars behind only Lian Bichsel.

His 6-foot-4 frame and penalty-killing ability give Dallas another layer of toughness in the bottom six.

Nathan Bastian's role could stabilize the Dallas Stars' depth and add needed grit

With Radek Faksa, Sam Steel, Oskar Bäck, and Colin Blackwell already battling for ice time, Bastian's arrival intensifies the competition.

As NHL.com notes, he's expected to play primarily in a fourth-line role, but his style could push him higher when matchups call for size and aggression.

Burke believes his combination of physical play and underrated offensive touch will stand out.

If Dallas leans into that identity, Bastian could be a valuable playoff-style contributor well before the postseason begins. As The Hockey News pointed out, having players who can make an impact without scoring is key for sustained success.