Nichushkin seems to be behind the groin injury that limited him last week, Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis:

Nichushkin has appeared in the Stars' last three preseason contests, supplying a goal and two assists during that span. He was skating on the top line with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin at Thursday's practice, and it's all but certain that he'll open the season with that duo. Nichushkin turned in an excellent campaign as a rookie (14 goals, 20 assists, plus-20 rating in 79 games) and looks poised to take a leap forward in his sophomore season.