Meet Nathan Bastian: The Dallas Stars' gritty new forward who could win over fans quickly

The Dallas Stars added a new face to their forward group this offseason, and while Nathan Bastian isn't a household name yet in Texas, his blend of toughness and character might be exactly what fans fall in love with.

At 27 years old, Bastian arrives in Dallas on a one-year, $775,000 deal. For general manager Jim Nill, this move wasn't just about filling a roster spot, it was about adding an identity piece to the Stars' bottom six.

"Nathan will add forward depth and a physical presence to our lineup, both of which will be valuable to our organization,"

Five things to know about Nathan Bastian

1. The basics

Bastian is a right-shot winger from Kitchener, Ontario. Drafted 41st overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2016, he stands 6-foot-4 and weighs over 200 pounds. His heavy style fits the bottom-six role he's expected to play in Dallas.

2. Depth insurance

Dallas made it a priority to bring back Radek Faksa and add Bastian this summer, ensuring they enter training camp with reliable depth at forward.

3. A physical edge

Head coach Glen Gulutzan has been vocal about wanting more grit next season. Bastian checks that box, known for his forechecking, board battles, and willingness to play a hard game.

4. Making a statement early

In his NHL debut with the Devils back in 2019, Bastian dropped the gloves with Anaheim's Josh Manson. It was his way of proving right away that he wouldn't back down.

5. Personality on display

Bastian isn't just grit and grind. In February 2024, he scored twice at MetLife Stadium and celebrated with the Italian hand gesture made famous by NFL quarterback Tommy DeVito, showing a fun side that resonated with New Jersey fans.

I think Dallas fans will quickly warm to Nathan Bastian. He brings toughness the Stars need, but also the personality that makes a bottom-six forward memorable when the games get scrappy.