Perron to make Stars debut, Lindell expected to return to lineup

Some reinforcements are coming to the Lone Star State, including an anticipated debut.

When speaking to the media at morning skate, Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan announced that forward David Perron will make his debut on Saturday night, when the Stars take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. He also mentioned that he’s “90 percent” sure that defenseman Esa Lindell will return to the lineup.

Perron signed a one-year contract with the Stars on Oct. 16 and has spent the past couple of weeks getting in shape. His deal has a prorated cap hit of $850,000.

Perron moves to Dallas hoping to produce a little bit more and stay healthier than he has in the past couple of seasons. After an impressive stretch in which he posted at least 45 points in eight consecutive seasons, the Stanley Cup champion posted only 16 points in 43 games with the Ottawa Senators in 2024-25, improving only slightly to 28 points in 65 appearances last year. He started last season with the Sens before the trade deadline, when he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, though he did little to improve the team’s postseason chances, scoring just three goals in 16 contests.

In 1,239 regular-season games in the NHL, Perron has posted 332 goals and 480 assists for 812 points, with another 64 points in 110 postseason contests.

Lindell has missed the past five games due to a lower-body injury. Gulutzan mentioned, at the time, that the veteran blueliner suffered the injury when he blocked a shot in a previous game. In eight games thus far, Lindell has yet to register a point, posting a plus/minus of +4 while averaging 20:49 of ice time.

Puck drop between the Stars (7-5-1) and Blue Jackets is set for 8 p.m. ET.