From Buried on the Depth Chart to NHL Ready: Remi Poirier Makes Waves in Texas

(Credit: Ross Bonander/Texas Stars)

In August 2024, the Dallas Stars signed veteran goaltender Magnus Hellberg to serve as the organization's third goalie. The backup’s backup. From a Dallas perspective, this seemed like a no brainer; of course you should have three guys you trust in arguably the most important position in the sport. 

From Remi Poirier’s perspective, it showed the organization lacked confidence in his ability to be a true NHL goalie.

With the departure of Matt Murray, Poirier was set to be the organizational number three, which would have given him a solid chance at appearing in at least a few NHL games. The Hellberg acquisition all but guaranteed that he would spend the season in the AHL.

Poirier had a rollercoaster season sharing the net with Hellberg. He would go from looking impenetrable for several games to equally flappable the next few. This pattern of hot and cold led to frequent swaps of netminders, even in the 2025 playoff, as the Stars tried to ride the hot hand as frequently as they could. 

For example, Poirier started last season with four straight games with a sub .900 save percentage, surrending 16 tallies in that stretch. Not great. Conversly, he closed out the regular season with three straight games with a save percantage over .930 where he only allowed a combined three goals. The highest highs and the lowest lows for the French Candian. 

That same fluctuating play continued even into the playoffs where Poirier started strong. In game one, he posted a 29 save shutout, but by game three he cooled off and was yanked in the second intermission after giving up four. Poirier proved he had all the ability he needs to be in the show; he just needed to find a way to do it consistently. 

(Credit: Andy Nietupski/Texas Stars)

Hellberg moved on to play hockey in Europe this season, leaving Dallas in the same position as last offseason. This time around Dallas Stars’ General Manager Jim Nill chose to stick with Poirier as the third goalie and de facto starter in Texas. A huge opportunity for Poirier, and he has lived up to it. 

Poirier’s been one of the few consistencies for the Texas Stars. Outside of a few stinkers that probably say more about the team than the goaltender specifically, Poirier has been rock solid, holding opponents to three goals or fewer in 16 of his 22 appearances. When he does have his odd bad night, he has kept it isolated to just one game, eliminating those cold streaks that he’d find himself on last year. This is especially impressive when you consider Texas’ poor defense that ranks 21st in goals against. 

This emergence of Poirier this season also says a lot about how impressive the goalie coaching and development is for this franchise. Jake Oettinger is the best goalie in the organization and one of the best in the world. His play style relies on his large frame and expert positioning to make saves. That’s why it may appear that Oettinger doesn’t make many spectacular saves; he doesn’t have to because he is always in the right spot to make the easy save. 

Remi Poirier’s style is almost the complete opposite. He doesn’t have exceptional size or positioning, but he excels at movement in the crease and uses his top tier athleticism to battle for every puck. The goaltender coaches being able to develop both of these players despite their differences and without forcing them to change their play style is impressive. 

Poirier’s recent callup seems like an affirmation. It says that he is the top Texas Stars goalie and Dallas is ready, and more importantly, comfortable putting him in the NHL lineup. His first NHL appearance will have to wait, but so far this year, he's proven that he is ready to go whenever they need him.