The Dallas Stars have undergone significant changes heading into the 2025-26 NHL season. The team’s transformation begins with the coaching shift from Pete DeBoer to Glen Gulutzan, which has become a central topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Roster Changes and New Acquisitions
This offseason, the Stars made bold roster moves, most notably by acquiring Mikko Rantanen. Inking Rantanen to an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $12 million created salary cap challenges. Consequently, the team allowed several key players to enter free agency.
- Mikael Granlund: Signed a three-year deal with Anaheim averaging $7 million per season.
- Cody Ceci: Signed a four-year contract with Los Angeles, averaging $4.5 million per season.
- Evgenii Dadonov: Joined New Jersey at a bargain rate of $1 million.
- Mason Marchment: Traded to Seattle, currently on the last year of a four-year deal averaging $4.5 million.
These departures represent a substantial loss of talent, with Granlund, Ceci, and Marchment contributing significantly to the Stars’ offense last season.
Scoring Impact and Team Performance
The Stars ranked as the third-best scoring team in the league last season, averaging 3.35 goals per game. Granlund contributed 22 goals, while Dadonov added 20 goals. Marchment also played a vital role, netting 22 goals for the Stars.
This season, however, the team is averaging 3.00 goals per game, placing them 19th in the league. Rantanen has emerged as a leading scorer for Dallas, currently holding 21 points and sharing the spotlight with 22-year-old Wyatt Johnston, who has 19 points.
Younger Players Stepping Up
With several seasoned players departing, younger talents like Thomas Harley and Mavrik Bourque are expected to take on more prominent roles. Depth players such as Sam Steel, Colin Blackwell, and Radek Faksa are also anticipated to contribute more as the season progresses.
“It’s a tough business, and you have to make tough decisions,” stated Stars GM Jim Nill. “Those are very good players.”
The evolving roster presents both challenges and opportunities for the Dallas Stars, as they aim to compete effectively in the current NHL landscape.
