Dallas Stars' season being called "Stanley Cup or Bust" by experts
Photo credit: Blackout Dallas
Could the Dallas Stars' offseason strategy be the key to ending their Western Conference Final curse?
The Dallas Stars came within just two victories of reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2025. This offseason, GM Jim Nill chose stability over upheaval, betting that keeping the core intact will drive success in 2025-26.
Adding a new voice behind the bench is the biggest change. Glen Gulutzan, returning for his second stint, replaces Pete DeBoer and brings an offensive-minded style that meshes well with talents like Mikko Rantanen and Jason Robertson.
As PuckProse puts it, it's «Stanley Cup or bust for the current core.»
Dallas Stars keep core intact while tacking on size and grit
There were just a few depth signings, Nathan Bastian and Radek Faksa, added to instill toughness and reinforce the bottom-six.
Bastian arrived on a one-year deal at $775,000, offering physicality; Faksa returns for added tenacity after a year in St. Louis.
Notable departures include Mikael Granlund, who delivered 21 points in 31 regular-season games and 10 in 18 playoff contests. As Jim Nill stated on NHL.com:
«We're starting over fresh now and we did lose a lot of good players, but the guys coming in and the steps the younger guys take, that's what we'll need internally.»
Key young names like Mavrik Bourque, a potential second-line fixture after 25 points as a rookie, and Nils Lundkvist, ready for an expanded blue-line role, underscore the internal faith driving this rebuild.
With stars like Rantanen, Robertson, Wyatt Johnston, and Roope Hintz delivering nearly half the team's goals, I believe Dallas has the offensive firepower and depth to finally reach the Stanley Cup Final.
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