The Dallas Stars are at a crossroads as they look for a new head coach following the departure of Pete DeBoer. With a talented roster including players like Jake Oettinger, Miro Heiskanen, and Wyatt Johnston, the Stars are in prime position to make a push for the playoffs. The team has various options for coaching candidates, including Todd Nelson, Jim Nill, and Dan Bylsma, but they might lean towards a fresh face rather than a veteran retread like Peter Laviolette or John Tortorella.

Despite having limited cap space, the Stars are expected to make roster adjustments to maintain competitiveness. Key players like Jamie Benn want to stay, while free agents like Matt Duchene's future remains uncertain. The new coach will inherit a strong foundation and will need to maximize the potential of this roster.

The Dallas Stars have reached the Western Conference Finals for the third consecutive year, led by Wyatt Johnston, their 2021 first-round draft pick. Johnston, now 22, has had a standout season, scoring a personal best of 71 points and leading his draft class with 177 career points. His significant contributions include scoring in three consecutive Game 7s, including a game-winning goal against Colorado in the first round of the playoffs.

Johnston's impressive performance has not gone unnoticed, with the Stars recently signing him to a five-year, $42 million contract extension. As they gear up to face the Edmonton Oilers again, who passed on drafting him in 2021 in favor of Xavier Bourgault, former Oilers great Wayne Gretzky reflected on the decision, emphasizing Johnston's potential and what could have been for Edmonton. Game 1 of the series is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.

Pete DeBoer, head coach of the Dallas Stars, is navigating a critical playoff rematch against the Edmonton Oilers, reflecting on the duality of his long-term coaching partnership with Steve Spott. Their collaboration has yielded both triumphs and challenges, notably during a rocky start this season when the Stars struggled with a dismal power-play percentage.

With the playoffs now in full swing, the Stars' special teams have turned the tide, boasting the highest power-play success rate among remaining teams. The Stars have not only outscored the Oilers at even strength in previous playoff encounters but are also keenly aware of the Oilers' threats, particularly with players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the ice. DeBoer's confidence in his special teams is palpable, yet the focus remains on 5-on-5 play—an area he believes will ultimately decide their fate in the series.

With a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Winnipeg Jets, the Dallas Stars are poised to clinch a spot in the Western Conference finals. The return of Miro Heiskanen has strengthened their lineup, which now boasts full health and recently acquired players. Dallas aims to secure the series with a swift victory to gain crucial rest before the next round.

Despite their success, the Stars have yet to hit their peak performance, raising concerns among opponents. Key players like Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene must elevate their game to maximize the team's potential. Robertson, recovering from injury, has recorded only one assist since his comeback. Duchene, although a leader in the regular season, is yet to score in the playoffs. Meanwhile, veterans like Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin must also find their scoring touch to support younger talents such as Wyatt Johnston, who is having a solid playoff showing.

Wyatt Johnston, the Dallas Stars' 21-year-old center, has emerged as a formidable force in the NHL, boasting an impressive 89 goals in just three seasons, including 33 in the ongoing 2024-25 season. Drafted 23rd overall in 2021, Johnston quickly proved his worth by leading OHL skaters with 124 points during his last junior season. Making his NHL debut on October 13, 2022, he set a franchise record as the youngest player to score a goal, surpassing the great Mike Modano in postseason goals before age 21. Last March, Johnston secured a five-year contract extension worth $8.4 million per year, cementing his role as a key player for the Stars.