The Dallas Stars made a hard call on Tuesday, placing former second-round pick Brandon Halverson on waivers. This move trims the main roster right before the regular season kicks off. It’s a cold reminder that even draft picks don’t get a free pass when the money runs tight. The team signed Halverson to a one-year, two-way deal worth $850,000 back on July 1. Now, that spot is gone.
A Rough Path to the Roster
Halverson spent three years in the Tampa Bay Lightning system before arriving in Dallas. His time there wasn’t great, with just three games played and a 4.22 goals-against average. He also struggled in a single relief appearance for the New York Rangers back in 2018. The Stars brought him in as organizational depth, but the numbers didn’t add up for the main squad. He posted a solid .915 save percentage in the AHL with Syracuse in 2024-2025, yet the NHL spot was never his to lose.
The situation feels like a classic case of “inevitable reassignments from an NHL team in a cap crunch,” according to Stars Thoughts. The math simply doesn’t work for everyone when the roster is full. The team had to make room for players who fit the current plan better. Halverson will likely head to the AHL Texas Stars, where he can play more often.
Making Room for the Core
This cut happens while the Stars are locking up their key pieces for the long haul. Just days ago, the team signed Sam Steel to a four-year, $14.8 million extension. That deal carries an average annual value of $3.7 million. The front office believes Steel’s versatility is vital for navigating the salary cap in future years.
General manager Jim Nill stated that the team is happy to lock up players who bring consistency and versatility. The focus is clearly on building a balanced top-six forward group to push for the Stanley Cup. With Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz leading the charge, the Stars need every cap dollar to work. Letting go of a depth goalie like Halverson is a small price to pay for that stability.
The final preseason game is only two days away, and the roster is taking shape.