Canada's 158th birthday coincides with the start of NHL free agency, where teams anticipate a flurry of activity sparked by a significant salary cap increase. The cap's rise to $95.5 million opens the door for teams to bolster their lineups, aiming to become serious contenders.

Key players likely to attract attention include Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets and Brock Boeser from the Vancouver Canucks, alongside defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings. Centers Mikael Granlund and Pius Suter, goaltender Jake Allen, and standout defensemen Dmitry Orlov and Brent Burns from the Carolina Hurricanes are also on the radar as teams rush to make impactful signings.

Jim Nill has made headlines again, achieving a historic third consecutive 'General Manager of the Year' title in the NHL. Amid this recognition, he is now taking a bold step by rehiring Glen Gulutzan as the head coach of the Dallas Stars, a surprising choice given Gulutzan's past tenure which ended after two seasons. This decision raises eyebrows, especially when considering that he was let go after a disappointing playoff exit with the Calgary Flames.

While some may question Nill's judgment in bringing back a coach he previously fired, parallels can be drawn to other sports legends who have made similar decisions with mixed results. Gulutzan is praised for his ability to connect with star players and his power play strategies, yet skepticism remains due to his previous failures in guiding teams past the first round of playoffs. The Stars' future now hinges on whether this gamble pays off for Nill and his roster.

The Dallas Stars have officially issued a qualifying offer to forward Antonio Stranges, ensuring they retain his negotiating rights. Stranges, a 23-year-old left winger, was drafted by the Stars in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft and signed to a three-year entry-level contract in 2022. His development has been notable, as he accumulated 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) in 55 games during the previous AHL season with the Texas Stars, setting career highs in both goals and assists.

Should the Stars have not extended this offer, Stranges would have become an unrestricted free agent, allowing other teams to pursue him without compensation. The qualifying offer means another team could sign him to an offer sheet; however, the Stars would then have the opportunity to match that offer to keep him within their organization. This move highlights the team's commitment to developing Stranges, who has shown promise as he transitions from the AHL to the NHL.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively pursuing the re-signing of forward Steven Lorentz as free agency approaches. With many players likely to test the market, including notable names like Brock Boeser, who may find himself a suitable fit with the Edmonton Oilers given their salary cap situation, the Maple Leafs are also rumored to be interested in Michael Pezzetta as well.

The Los Angeles Kings have made a new offer to Vladislav Gavrikov, while the Dallas Stars are negotiating with Mikael Granlund, hoping to keep him on the roster despite salary challenges. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins are on the hunt for a top-four defenseman; Aaron Ekblad could be a target, but at a potentially high cost.

Glen Gulutzan is poised for a second chance as head coach of the Dallas Stars, with reports indicating that the team is nearing a hiring agreement. Gulutzan, who previously led the Stars from 2011 to 2013, is expected to replace Pete DeBoer, who was recently dismissed. His track record includes revamping the Oilers' power play, which reached a 26.8% success rate under his guidance. This contrasts with his earlier tenure, marked by missed playoff appearances and a challenging team environment.

Fans exhibit mixed emotions regarding Gulutzan's potential return: while some welcome his offensive expertise, others recall his struggles during his first spell as coach. Currently, the Stars' roster comprises elite talents, including Jason Robertson and Mikko Rantanen, suggesting that Gulutzan might have a more favorable opportunity to succeed this time around.