Today, the Dallas Stars celebrate Nolan Baumgartner as he turns 50. The former NHL defenseman made a lasting impact on professional hockey through his skill, leadership, and dedication to the game. He now continues to contribute to the sport as an assistant coach with the Ottawa Senators.

Drafted 10th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, Baumgartner played parts of ten NHL seasons with the Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Dallas Stars. In 143 NHL games, he recorded 1 goal and 46 assists, including a standout 2005–06 season with Vancouver, where he led all team defensemen with 34 points.

Baumgartner also had a distinguished career in the AHL, playing 878 games, scoring 390 points, captaining the Manitoba Moose, participating in multiple AHL All-Star Classics, and earning induction into the AHL Hall of Fame. Internationally, he represented Canada at the World Junior Championships, winning back-to-back gold medals and serving as captain in 1996.

Since retiring from playing in 2012, Baumgartner has remained in hockey as a coach at both the AHL and NHL levels. As of 2024, he continues to shape the next generation of players with the Ottawa Senators.