Three key players from the Dallas Stars have once again been selected to represent Team Finland at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. Defenders Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell, along with forward Mikko Rantanen, are notable inclusions on the preliminary roster announced by the Finnish Ice Hockey Association.

Miro Heiskanen's impressive international experience includes five games at the 2018 Winter Olympics and participation in the IIHF World Championships in both 2018 and 2022. Esa Lindell, recently honored as Finland's Male Player of the Year, has a solid background with three World Championship appearances, while Mikko Rantanen also boasts four World Championships under his belt.

In addition to these stars, there remains a possibility for more Dallas players, such as Roope Hintz and Mikael Granlund, to join the roster. Finland aims to defend the gold medal they secured in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, marking a significant moment as NHL players return to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014.

Thomas Harley has made a significant impact in the NHL this season, finishing seventh in Norris Trophy voting for best defenseman. He secured one second-place and one third-place vote, along with a notable 27 fifth-place votes. Harley's rise came after he stepped into a larger role with the Dallas Stars due to Miro Heiskanen's injury, averaging over 23 minutes of ice time. His impressive season statistics include 50 points, with 16 goals and 34 assists over 78 games.

Harley's late addition to Team Canada before the 4 Nations Face-Off win highlighted his growing reputation in the league. At just 23 years old, the former first-round pick is proving to be a key asset for Dallas, showcasing his all-around ability on the blue line.

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.

Aaron Ekblad has expressed a strong desire to remain with the Florida Panthers, declaring his loyalty and commitment to the team. Despite this, speculation surrounds a potential move to the Dallas Stars if he reaches free agency. The Stars are reportedly in need of a right-handed defenseman to complement their roster, which includes talents like Miro Heiskanen. However, financial maneuvering would be required for Dallas to accommodate Ekblad’s contract demands.

Additionally, the offseason is heating up with various players being discussed as trade targets. The Vancouver Canucks, for example, are looking to improve their forward group, eyeing players such as Alexis Lafreniere from the New York Rangers and Nicolas Roy from the Vegas Golden Knights. Other names include Mason Marchment of the Dallas Stars, who may be on the move, reflecting the ongoing strategy shifts across multiple teams in the league as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Dallas Stars faced another disappointing end to their playoff run, falling to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Finals. This loss marks the third consecutive year the Stars have exited in the third round, raising questions about how to overcome this hurdle. With most of the core roster returning for the upcoming season, general manager Jim Nill must carefully evaluate the team to enhance its chances for the next Stanley Cup run.

Among the pressing issues, the future of captain Jamie Benn looms large. Entering free agency, Benn's performance this postseason, where he scored only one goal and two assists in 18 games, raises doubts about his longevity with the team. Additionally, improving the right side of the blue line and maintaining depth in the forward group are crucial tasks for Nill as he prepares for the offseason.