WINNIPEG -- Mikko Rantanen had a goal and two assists, and the Dallas Stars held off the Winnipeg Jets despite Kyle Connor ’s hat trick for a 5-4 season-opening win at Canada Life Centre on Thursday.

Connor’s third goal of the game cut it to 5-4 with 3:03 remaining in the third period for the Jets, who scored three times in the period after trailing 5-1. He signed eight-year, $96 million contract with the Jets on Wednesday.

Jonathan Toews had a shot on goal and a takeaway in 18:19 of ice time in his debut for his hometown team Winnipeg, his first NHL game since April 13, 2023, after health issues prevented him from playing the past two seasons.

Toews played for the Chicago Blackhawks from 2008-23, winning the Stanley Cup three times as their captain (2010, 2013, 2015).

Jason Robe

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