The Dallas Stars have made a notable addition to their roster by signing forward Antonio Stranges to a one-year, two-way contract effective from the 2025-2026 season. Stranges, drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, played a significant role with the Texas Stars in the AHL last season, where he recorded career highs with 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) in 55 games. This marks a promising development for the young forward, who has accumulated 79 points over his 138-game AHL career.

This signing aligns with the Stars' busy offseason, which has included trading Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken and re-signing key players such as captain Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene, who scored 30 goals last season. The franchise is also enhancing its depth on the forward line through the re-signing of Colin Blackwell and the return of veteran Radek Faksa.

The Colorado Avalanche have recently reshaped their roster in unexpected ways, highlighted primarily by the controversial trade sending Mikko Rantanen to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Martin Nečas and Jack Drury. General Manager Chris MacFarland's decision aimed to facilitate Nečas’s potential alongside star player Nathan MacKinnon, especially considering his impressive performance with 11 goals and 28 points in 30 games. However, Nečas's future in Colorado is uncertain, especially with his contract set to expire after the next season and questions surrounding his consistency in goal-scoring.

This trade has sparked conversation about the Avalanche's long-term strategy, particularly in light of the looming free agency of top defenseman Cale Makar, who is expected to command a significant salary that could affect the team's cap space. Nečas's performance this season will be crucial not only for his future but also for the Avalanche's assessment of the Rantanen trade, further complicating decisions as they approach the trade deadline.

Glen Gulutzan returns to coach the Dallas Stars in a context laden with challenges and expectations. His previous tenure saw him inherit a team in transition and face a series of obstacles, including a lack of experience on his coaching staff and a disrupted second season due to a lockout. Despite these hurdles, Gulutzan's coaching journey is one marked by perseverance, having transitioned from a player to a successful coach in the ECHL and AHL before getting his NHL opportunity.

This time, his experience should benefit him greatly. Having built a network and learned from veteran coaches, Gulutzan is poised to apply these lessons effectively. The challenge now lies in navigating the intricate dynamics of the NHL while leading an evolving roster.

Dallas Stars have extended forward Colin Blackwell's contract for two additional years, starting in the 2025-26 season. The deal is valued at $1.55 million, averaging $775,000 annually. Blackwell, 32, was pivotal for the Stars last season, contributing 17 points in 63 games, marking a career-high in assists. His strong performance on the penalty kill ranked him highly among his teammates. In the playoffs, he tallied three points and made history with an overtime goal in his first playoff appearance.

Blackwell's versatility and experience were instrumental in the Stars’ playoff run, and his return solidifies the team's forward depth. He previously played for several teams, including the Nashville Predators and New York Rangers, and has a total of 91 points over his NHL career. The Stars are optimistic about his contributions in the upcoming seasons as they aim for a championship run.

Jamie Benn returns to the Dallas Stars for his 17th season, signing a one-year contract worth $1 million plus potential bonuses. This is a significant reduction from his previous $76 million deal. General Manager Jim Nill noted that the re-signing was straightforward, emphasizing Benn's desire to prioritize team success over personal financial gain.

Benn's willingness to accept a pay cut reflects a team-first mentality shared by other veterans like Joe Pavelski. He aims to help the Stars remain competitive in their pursuit of a championship, indicating a shift in focus towards winning rather than maximizing individual earnings.