Nathan Bastian, a former New Jersey Devil, announced on Saturday, August 9, 2025, that he’s signing with the Dallas Stars.
The 27-year-old forward played 59 games with the Devils last season, tallying 10 points. Over his NHL career, Bastian has appeared in 276 regular-season games, 264 of them in a Devils sweater.
Now, he’s headed to Dallas on a one-year, $775,000 deal.
Stars Sign Former Devils Winger
After parting with the <a target="_blank" href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/being-here-means-a-lot-to-me-nathan-bastian-hopes-to-remain-with-devils">New Jersey Devils </a>as an unrestricted free agent, <a target="_blank" href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jersey-devils-nate-bastian-jack-hughes-luke-hughes">Nathan Bastian</a> has a new place to call home.
“Nathan will add forward depth and a physical presence to our lineup, both of which will be valuable to our organization,” Stars GM Jim Nill said in a statement to NHL.com. “We’re looking forward to watching him take the next step in his career with the Stars and are excited to welcome him to Dallas.”
While Bastian’s career numbers don’t make him a statistical standout, his size and physical play made him a presence on the ice. But for many New Jersey fans, one moment in particular cemented his legacy.
The Stadium Series Celebration
On a frigid February night at MetLife Stadium, the Devils faced the Philadelphia Flyers under the lights in the 2024 Stadium Series. Bastian had a career performance, scoring twice on Flyers goaltender Sam Ersson to help lift the Devils to a 6–3 win.
The Devils embraced a “Jersey Sopranos” theme for the event, arriving in matching tracksuits. Bastian took it further. After his second-period goal, he lifted his arm, removed his glove, and made the classic Italian hand gesture by bringing his pointer and middle fingers toward his thumb.
Fans erupted. The celebration didn’t just win over the 70,328 in attendance; it went viral across social media.
The move was also a nod to New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito, who made the same gesture at MetLife the season prior.
It was a simple gesture, but it struck a chord with Devils fans and instantly became one of the most memorable moments of Bastian’s career in New Jersey.
He may not be remembered for his point totals, but for many, that celebration will always be his defining highlight as a Devil.