Connor McDavid's future with the Edmonton Oilers has come under scrutiny following another disappointing Stanley Cup loss, raising questions about Canada's relentless desire to capture a championship. The discussion highlights the urgency for the Oilers to make significant roster adjustments, especially in their goaltending situation. The Toronto Maple Leafs are also on the radar, as speculation mounts about potential roster changes that could impact their playoff chances.

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, teams like the Dallas Stars are emerging as contenders, with strategic moves expected to reshape the playoff landscape. As the offseason unfolds, fans and fantasy managers alike should keep an eye on how these developments unfold, as they could have substantial implications for player performance and betting odds in the coming season.

After clinching the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive year, the Florida Panthers are already in the spotlight for next season's championship odds. Currently, sportsbooks suggest the Edmonton Oilers hold the edge at +650, while the Panthers trail closely at +750, aiming to extend their impressive finals streak. The Colorado Avalanche (+800), Dallas Stars (+850), and Carolina Hurricanes (+900) also rank among the top contenders, highlighting a competitive landscape for the upcoming NHL season.

Notably, sportsbooks are divided on the favorites for the next season, with some favoring the Oilers, while others see potential in the Hurricanes or a three-way tie involving the Avalanche. Meanwhile, teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks find themselves far behind with 500-1 odds, indicating the significant disparities in team strengths heading into the new season.

NHL free agency is right around the corner, with the Dallas Stars poised for significant roster adjustments following a successful but ultimately disappointing season. The firing of head coach Pete DeBoer has set the stage for a fresh start as the Stars aim to build on their recent playoff appearances.

The Stars face decisions on nine free agents, including captain Jamie Benn and notable forwards like Matt Duchene and Evgenii Dadonov. With just under $5 million in cap space, the front office must negotiate wisely to fill gaps, particularly on defense and in the forward ranks. This tight cap situation may force the Stars to explore trades, particularly involving players like Mason Marchment and Matt Dumba, to free up more resources.

Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger has exciting news: he and his wife, Kennedi, are expecting their first child. Announcing the joyful news on social media, the couple shared an image capturing Kennedi's baby bump.

Oettinger, 26, recently completed his fifth NHL season and has been a key player for the Stars, helping lead them to the Western Conference Finals three consecutive years. After signing an eight-year contract extension in 2024, Oettinger's commitment to the Stars remains firm as he prepares for fatherhood.

This marks another significant milestone for the couple, who previously announced their engagement shortly after the 2023 season and tied the knot after the 2024 season in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Congratulations to the Oettingers on their growing family!

The Dallas Stars are actively reshaping their roster as they search for a new head coach. They recently signed goaltender Ben Kraws to a one-year, two-way contract after he made a significant impact in the ECHL last season with a 23-12-5 record, a 2.88 goals-against average, and five shutouts, a career high. Kraws also had a brief stint with the Texas Stars in the AHL, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset for the team. He is expected to serve as the third goalie in the organizational depth chart behind Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith.