Promising young forward Mavrik Bourque is staying with the Dallas Stars as he signs a one-year deal as a restricted free agent. Because of the nature of restricted free agency, he was more likely to re-sign with Dallas, but other teams could have offered Bourque a contract. The Stars then would’ve had the opportunity to match the offer or let him go to that team in exchange for compensation.
Our Dallas Mav's staying put! 😎
We have signed Mavrik Bourque to a one-year contract extension through the 2025-2026 season.
📰 MORE: https://t.co/uLCdJ9Bb1W@shift4 | #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/aYilKU8u9A
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) June 20, 2025
Bourque Stays in Dallas
Mavrik Bourque has been one of the Dallas Stars‘ up-and-coming players for a few years now. He has a unique blend of speed and scoring prowess that can allow Dallas’ lineup to remain one of the deepest in the league, but he has yet to reach his full potential at the NHL level.
The 23-year-old made his NHL debut during the 2023-24 season, appearing in one game during the regular season and in one game in the playoffs. He did not score or collect any points, but his potential was evident. That led him to become a primary option in the Dallas lineup last season, joining Logan Stankoven and Lian Bichsel as rookies Dallas fans were eager to watch.
As Mavrik Bourque signs, it helps to set the dynamic upfront. The recent emergence of Wyatt Johnston may have had fans expecting a little too much, as both Bourque and Stankoven struggled to put the puck in the net. The coaching staff preached patience with both, but Stankoven became the centrepiece of the Mikko Ranatanen trade, and Bourque saw his playing time diminish after putting up 25 points in the regular season.
Yet, with changes abound throughout the franchise as it navigates the salary cap and tries to remain an elite team, Bourque became an important player to keep.
What it Means
With a new head coach at the helm and the need for youth and speed in the lineup, Bourque now has an opportunity to seize a spot and show what he can do. This contract allows him one year to light it up for a big payday. It works for both sides, and most importantly is the type of move that keeps Dallas among the elite in the Western Conference.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
