The Dallas Stars lock up a crucial forward and just pulled off the biggest bargain of the NHL offseason

Some NHL teams chase headlines in July.

The Dallas Stars? They made moves that build championships.

After a third straight trip to the Western Conference Final without a Cup Final appearance, general manager Jim Nill didn't panic. He didn't break up the core or go fishing in overpriced free agency waters. Instead, he doubled down on what works.

The first step was a coaching change.

Despite guiding the Stars to consistent success, Pete DeBoer was let go after two seasons of coming up short.

In his place, the Stars turned to a familiar face in Glen Gulutzan, a coach who knows Dallas well and brings a fresh voice without disrupting the room.

According to reports, the front office believes a new approach behind the bench might be the last detail that turns this team from contender into champion.

One of the most important summer decisions came when the Stars re-signed Matt Duchene to a four-year deal worth $4.5 million per season. Duchene led the team with 82 points last year and has become a top offensive driver.

He's now produced 147 points over his first two seasons in Dallas. His full stats are available on NHL.com.

Just as crucial was bringing back Jamie Benn, the longtime captain, on a team-friendly contract with a $1 million base salary and $3 million in performance bonuses.

It's a deal structured for impact and accountability. Benn will earn more only if he plays enough games and if the team makes a deep playoff run.

Alongside top-line stars like Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Mikko Rantanen, the Stars have a balanced, hungry roster.

And with Rantanen now locked in long term after a midseason trade, the offensive ceiling is higher than it's been in years.

Personally, I think Dallas made the smartest kind of progress this summer - not flashy, but focused.