The hidden risk of Dallas Stars' reliance on veteran contracts

The Dallas Stars enter the 2025-26 season with one of the NHL's most balanced rosters, but their reliance on veteran contracts remains a quiet risk that could shape their championship window.

Dallas has been powered by a mix of young stars such as Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston, and Thomas Harley, but the team still leans heavily on its veteran core.

Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene, and Tyler Seguin bring leadership, experience, and proven scoring, yet they also represent the challenge of aging contracts on a cap-strapped roster.

At 36, Benn remains the heartbeat of the franchise, while Duchene, now 34, and Seguin, 33, are still counted on to drive offense. Together, they give Dallas valuable playoff mileage, but also take up significant cap space.

Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene, and Tyler Seguin still produce, but age is the concern

Last season, Benn produced 49 points while continuing to bring toughness and leadership. Duchene chipped in 61 points, showing he could still play with pace, while Seguin provided 55 points despite battling through injuries.

Their combined production remains important, but their long-term durability is the concern.

Benn carries a $9.5 million cap hit through 2025, while Seguin's contract is locked in at $9.85 million annually through 2027. Duchene is at $4 million for another season.

As NHL.com's Stars coverage has often noted, Jim Nill must balance these commitments while preparing to extend younger players like Harley and Mavrik Bourque.

One Western Conference scout summed up the dilemma:

"Dallas has the mix to win right now, but if the veterans lose a step, it shifts pressure onto the kids faster than you'd like."

Personally, I think the Stars' veteran group gives them the grit and experience needed in playoff wars.

But if Benn, Seguin, or Duchene show decline at the wrong time, the Cup window could tighten more quickly than anyone in Dallas wants to admit.