Matt Duchene's resurgence is what the Dallas Stars needed

The veteran center's return to form is crucial for the Stars' playoff hopes

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:39pm

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After missing 24 games with an injury, Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene is starting to regain his scoring touch, providing a much-needed boost for the struggling team. Duchene scored two goals in a recent win over the St. Louis Blues, his third goal in the last couple of games. The Stars will need continued strong play from Duchene, as well as veteran winger Jamie Benn, if they want to secure home-ice advantage in the Western Conference playoffs.

Why it matters

The Stars have been in a slump, going just 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, and have fallen 10 points behind the division-leading Colorado Avalanche. Duchene's resurgence could help the Stars get back on track and maintain their position as a top team in the Western Conference.

The details

Duchene returned from a 24-game absence on Dec. 7 following an upper-body injury, but struggled to find his form through the rest of the month, recording just two goals in 11 games. However, he has turned a corner in January, tallying nine points, including five goals on 25 shots, in 13 games. The Stars will need Duchene to continue producing at that pace, or better, if they want to secure home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

  • Duchene returned from injury on Dec. 7, 2025.
  • In December, Duchene had just two goals in 11 games.
  • In January 2026, Duchene has nine points, including five goals, in 13 games.

The players

Matt Duchene

A 35-year-old center for the Dallas Stars who is in his 17th NHL season. Duchene has struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season, but is starting to regain his scoring touch.

Jamie Benn

A veteran winger for the Dallas Stars who, along with Duchene, will need to play at a high level for the team to avoid slipping in the standings.

Jim Nill

The general manager of the Dallas Stars, who faces salary cap constraints in building the team's roster.

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What they’re saying

“It's nice to get a little bit of traction here, and hopefully you just want to ride the wave and keep feeling good. There's not much flow and rhythm, so you've got to try to grab it when you can.”

— Matt Duchene (Dallas Stars)

“It's just I've been in a lot of different situations and just trying to find that consistency. There's been nothing predictable for me all season.”

— Matt Duchene (Dallas Stars)

What’s next

The Stars will need Duchene and Benn to continue their strong play as the team looks to secure a favorable playoff position in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

Matt Duchene's resurgence is a crucial development for the Dallas Stars, who have struggled to maintain their early-season form. If Duchene and fellow veteran Jamie Benn can recapture their past success, the Stars could regain their position as a top contender in the West.