This NHL season, only two teams have managed to place three players within the top 25 scorers as well as a defenseman in the top 25 for scoring. The Edmonton Oilers, with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard leading the way, are one. The other team achieving this feat is the Dallas Stars, which boast four players ranked among the league’s scoring leaders. With the Olympic break halting North American professional hockey, now is the perfect moment to consider which of Dallas’ top players deserves their team’s Most Valuable Player recognition so far this season.
Jason Robertson: Dallas’ Leading Goal Scorer
Jason Robertson stands as Dallas’ top goal scorer and ranks tied for third in the NHL in total goals this season. Although his goal totals aren’t quite pacing to surpass his career highs, he is close to matching last season’s tally and nearly tying his career record for power-play goals. The Stars’ shift away from their traditional puck-possession style, reminiscent of the Peter DeBoer era, has not hindered Robertson. In fact, he leads the team in relative Corsi percentage, an advanced measure of puck possession, reflecting his strong on-ice impact.
Contract negotiations loom large as Robertson is set to become a restricted free agent after this season. Despite this uncertainty, his performance remains consistent and impressive. The franchise is eager to retain him, knowing his contributions are critical to their success beyond the 2025-26 season.
Mikko Rantanen: The Gifted Playmaker
Mikko Rantanen is widely regarded as the most naturally gifted player on the Stars’ roster. Long-time Stars analyst Darryl Reaugh recently placed Rantanen among the top five most talented players in franchise history. His dominance is evident as he leads the team by a substantial margin in assists and is on track for around 30 goals this season. If he hits that mark, it would mark the sixth time in his ten full NHL seasons achieving such goal totals, emphasizing his steady offensive production.
Wyatt Johnston: Rising Star and Future Leader
At just 22 years old, Wyatt Johnston is delivering a breakout season. Currently, he leads the entire NHL in power-play goals with 18, four more than second-place Pavel Dorofeyev from Vegas. Johnston has accumulated 59 points in 57 games, putting him on pace to surpass the coveted point-per-game threshold for the first time in his career. His +7.3% relative Corsi percentage ranks second on the Stars and marks a new personal best, significantly higher than last year’s +2.8%.
Johnston’s value was recognized early with a five-year contract extension signed in the spring that features an average annual value of $8.4 million. As noted by Blackout Dallas columnist Brian Sweet, this deal could prove to be one of the league’s best bargains if he continues on his current trajectory.
Miro Heiskanen: Defensive Backbone and All-Around Contributor
Miro Heiskanen remains the Stars’ most dependable defenseman, showcasing consistent high-level play since joining the NHL at 19 and now at age 26 continues to excel. After an injury-affected previous season with a modest 25 points in 50 games, Heiskanen has rebounded strongly, registering 46 points in 55 games this year.
Heiskanen’s significance extends beyond scoring. He averages a career-high 25:59 minutes per game, playing an impressive 42.6% of Dallas’ total available ice time—a mark that ranks third league-wide. He also leads Stars defensemen on the power play and ranks second in short-handed minutes, trailing only Esa Lindell among his defensive teammates.
“TOP Defensemen by Defense Contribution 5v5 | Feb 5Seider is increasing the gap rapidly1. Moritz Seider #LGRW2. Esa Lindell #TexasHockey 3. Jake Sanderson #GoSensGo 4. J.J. Moser #GoBolts5. Brandt Clarke #GoKingsGo 6. Miro Heiskanen #TexasHockey 7. John Marino #TusksUp… pic.twitter.com/cpdbyrU1Tx” — Benchrates, Analyst
Assessing Dallas’ MVP Candidate at the Olympic Break
Selecting an MVP at this stage involves subjective judgment, but Miro Heiskanen emerges as a compelling choice. His all-around excellence and heavy ice time make him indispensable to Dallas’ defensive structure. The Stars’ defensive unit faces challenges, with less-experienced players like Ilya Lyubushkin, Alex Petrovic, Nils Lundqvist, and Kyle Capobianco gaining significant minutes. Additionally, Heiskanen’s usual partner, Thomas Harley, has been struggling this season, placing even more responsibility on Heiskanen’s shoulders.
Heiskanen’s presence on ice creates a defensive intimidation that few others on the roster can match, contributing both offensively and in critical defensive moments. Given the team’s current roster dynamics and his versatile impact, he stands as Dallas’ most valuable player so far this season as the team heads into the Olympic break.
TOP Defensemen by Defense Contribution 5v5 | Feb 5
Seider is increasing the gap rapidly
1. Moritz Seider #LGRW
2. Esa Lindell #TexasHockey
3. Jake Sanderson #GoSensGo
4. J.J. Moser #GoBolts
5. Brandt Clarke #GoKingsGo
6. Miro Heiskanen #TexasHockey
7. John Marino #TusksUp… pic.twitter.com/cpdbyrU1Tx— Benchrates (@benchrates) February 5, 2026
