Dallas Stars reveal new jersey numbers and one veteran wasted no time reclaiming his old sweater

The Dallas Stars have unveiled jersey numbers for their newest players, and one veteran in particular is reclaiming a familiar look. Radek Faksa, who signed a three-year deal to return to Dallas after a short stint with the St. Louis Blues, will once again wear number 12 - the sweater that defined his near-decade run with the Stars.

Faksa was originally drafted by Dallas in 2012 and suited up for 638 games across nine seasons. His defensive reliability and faceoff strength made him a mainstay on the fourth line before he left for St. Louis in 2023. Now, with the Stars bringing him back, he has quickly reclaimed his old identity.

During his absence, Arttu Hyry briefly wore number 12 in five games last year. But as NHL.com confirmed, the number officially returns to Faksa as he looks to bring depth and veteran presence to Dallas's bottom six.

Dallas Stars reveal jersey numbers for Faksa, Vladislav Kolyachonok, and Nathan Bastian

Alongside Faksa, Dallas also announced the new number for Vladislav Kolyachonok, acquired in the Matt Dumba trade with Pittsburgh. The 24-year-old defenseman will wear number 44, a jersey last used by Joel Hanley before his move to Calgary in 2024.

Meanwhile, Nathan Bastian - the Stars' latest free-agent signing - will take number 11. Known for his size and grit, Bastian is expected to bring a physical edge to Dallas's lineup. That number was most recently worn by top prospect Logan Stankoven, who left in the blockbuster deal that landed Mikko Rantanen.

For longtime fans, these number assignments carry weight. They connect the Stars' recent past to the new era under head coach Glen Gulutzan, who will rely on these players to bring energy and stability to an already stacked roster. As Blackout Dallas noted, jersey numbers are more than symbolic - they reflect a player's place in team culture and identity.

Personally, I think seeing Faksa back in number 12 will feel like a comfort for Dallas fans, a reminder of continuity as the team pushes for another deep playoff run.