The Dallas Stars are in a cap crunch as GM Jim Nill navigates calls regarding star forward Jason Robertson. With one year left on his $7.5 million deal, the Stars are hesitant to trade him unless they receive an extraordinary offer. Despite their reluctance, the team is exploring options to free up cap space, particularly to re-sign veteran Jamie Benn and pursue Matt Duchene. With only $4.5 million available, names like Mason Marchment and Matt Dumba are being considered for trade. Marchment's 10-team no-trade clause complicates matters, while Bourque, a rising restricted free agent, may attract offers. The Stars aim to resolve their financial issues by the NHL Draft.

The Dallas Stars face a challenging offseason as they look to improve a roster that has fallen short in the Western Conference finals for three consecutive years. With just under $5 million in salary cap space available to sign six players, general manager Jim Nill must navigate a tight financial landscape. Key decisions loom over several players, including Matt Dumba, whose underwhelming performance may prompt a trade to free up cap space, and Mason Marchment, whose recent success could make him a valuable trade asset. Meanwhile, the future of star forward Jason Robertson is uncertain, given his potential for a significant pay raise as he enters free agency next season.

To bolster the roster, the Stars could explore trading away players like Marchment or even Robertson if it secures a strong return. Additionally, Nill may opt to structure contracts for veterans Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn to include performance bonuses, allowing for more flexibility in the short term. Elevating AHL player Alexander Petrovic to a more prominent role could also help address defensive depth without exacerbating cap constraints. As free agency approaches, the Stars must weigh their options carefully to enhance their competitiveness for the upcoming season.

The Philadelphia Flyers faced a disappointing home defeat, falling 4-1 to the Dallas Stars at Wells Fargo Center Thursday night. This loss marked the Flyers' fourth consecutive defeat and their ninth in the last twelve games.

Sam Ersson made his return to the net after a lower-body injury, making some notable saves. However, he conceded three goals from 19 shots, including two in the first period. Mavrik Bourque opened the scoring early, followed by Roope Hintz, who capitalized on a rebound.

Despite a brief resurgence in the third period, led by Morgan Frost's goal, it was not enough to swing the momentum. The Flyers struggled with shots on goal and power play opportunities, ultimately unable to overcome the Stars' offensive pressure.

The Dallas Stars have made a notable roster move by sending young defenseman Lian Bischel back to their AHL affiliate in Cedar Park, Texas. This decision comes as veteran defenseman Matt Dumba prepares to return to the lineup against the Buffalo Sabres after being sidelined since December 8 due to an undisclosed injury. Coach Pete DeBoer confirmed the move during Tuesday's morning skate, emphasizing the necessity of Dumba's experience on the ice.

Bischel, who made his NHL debut on December 12, showcased his potential during his eight-game stint with the Stars, scoring two goals and averaging just under 14 minutes of ice time per game. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, he brought a physical presence that the Stars had been missing, sparking discussions about his future with the team.

Despite Bischel's impressive performance, DeBoer indicated that decisions regarding the roster are ultimately in the hands of General Manager Jim Nill. Dumba, who has struggled this season with only one assist in 19 games, was brought in on a two-year contract worth $7.5 million, highlighting the Stars' commitment to their veteran players. Bischel's development is still a priority, and he may find himself back in the NHL lineup as the season progresses, especially as the team eyes potential playoff opportunities.

Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour has announced that defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere will be sidelined due to an upper-body injury, although the exact duration of his absence remains uncertain. In addition, forward Jack Drury has been placed on the injured reserve list, while defenseman Riley Stillman has been recalled to the roster. Drury did not participate in practice recently, and while he is eligible to return from IR, no updates on his condition have been provided.

In other league news, Colorado Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin is set to make his return to the ice tonight after being out for 16 games due to an upper-body injury. However, teammate Ivan Ivan will not be playing due to a similar ailment. The Columbus Blue Jackets have also reported that forward Yegor Chinakhov was absent from practice, raising concerns about his availability.

Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer stated that there is no significant update on forward Colin Blackwell, who may have suffered a broken nose. Meanwhile, Mason Marchment's recovery timeline is anticipated to align closely with that of Matt Dumba, who is nearing a return from his injury.

For the Florida Panthers, defenseman Niko Mikkola skated yesterday but remains out due to an upper-body issue. Coach Paul Maurice expressed confidence that Mikkola's injury is not chronic but rather a matter of pain tolerance. In Toronto, Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson missed practice due to illness, while star forward Auston Matthews will miss his fifth consecutive game due to an upper-body injury. Coach Craig Berube noted Matthews' participation in practice as a positive sign, even though he will not play in the upcoming game.

Lastly, Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg was seen practicing in a no-contact jersey, taking shots on goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, indicating progress in his recovery.