Sportsnet's new NHL power rankings put the Stars in a surprising spot

The list, compiled by Ryan Dixon, looked at how teams would stack up if the NHL season started tomorrow. It wasn't about off-season grades or Stanley Cup odds, but about which teams look most ready to win right now.

Dixon praised Dallas for being just a few wins away from finishing second overall last season and pointed to two major boosts heading into 2025-26: Mikko Rantanen's first full year in Texas and the «new-coach bump» from hiring Glen Gulutzan.

This is what Dixon wrote on Sportsnet.

Right behind Dallas are the Vegas Golden Knights at No. 2, bolstered by the addition of Mitch Marner despite losing Alex Pietrangelo. The Washington Capitals sit third after a surprisingly strong season and a solid roster carryover.

The rest of the top 10 includes the Carolina Hurricanes (4), Colorado Avalanche (5), Edmonton Oilers (6), Winnipeg Jets (7), Toronto Maple Leafs (8), Florida Panthers (9), and New Jersey Devils (10).

It's clear Sportsnet believes the Stars have the right mix of star power, depth, and momentum. I think starting the year in the top spot puts a target on their backs, and that's not a bad thing.

With Rantanen, Miro Heiskanen, Jason Robertson, and Wyatt Johnston all in the mix, plus the addition of Gulutzan behind the bench, there's every reason to believe Dallas can live up to this billing.