Jim Nill has made history by winning the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award for the third consecutive season, a feat unmatched in the NHL. His strategic acumen kept the Dallas Stars competitive, showcasing his prowess in roster management and player acquisitions. Under his leadership, the Stars have reached the Western Conference finals for three straight years, solidifying their status as a formidable team in the league.

This season, Nill's critical moves included trading for forward Mikko Rantanen and solidifying contracts for both Rantanen and Wyatt Johnston. His consistent efforts not only brought success on the ice but also fostered a culture of humility and high character within the organization.

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.