These are the 3 smartest moves the Dallas Stars could make to fix their cap mess

The Dallas Stars just made the first big salary-clearing move, trading Mason Marchment to Seattle and freeing up $4.5 million in cap space, a key step after re-signing Matt Duchene to a $4.5 million deal.

But with current cap space hovering around $1 million and limited flexibility, they now need a second round of moves to remain competitive under the league cap.

1. Trade Matt Dumba to move $3.75 million in salary

Recently, Dumba was traded to Pittsburgh (along with a 2028 second‑round pick) for defense prospect Vladislav Kolyachonok.

That move cleared $3.75 million and restored flexibility on the back end.

2. Include Jason Robertson in a cap-clearing package

While moving Robertson would be difficult, he's a top scorer and potential core piece, packaging his contract with another move could save up to $11.5 million in overall cap hit.

That kind of space gives Dallas flexibility to keep key RFAs and even pursue depth upgrades.

3. Buy out or trade Ilya Lyubushkin

Lyubushkin's $3.25 million cap hit is seen as one of the most movable on the roster. A trade or buyout could deliver significant relief, though the Stars would need to ensure depth by keeping prospects like Petrovic and Lundkvist.

Other moving parts like Sam Steel or Oskar Bäck could offer minor relief, but won't move the needle as much unless used with bigger trades.

A standout quote from analysis:

That sentiment sums up the urgency behind Dallas's next moves

Personally, I think the Dumba trade was smart and necessary, but to stretch the roster further, Dallas will need to consider at least one more major salary dump before camp starts.