Anze Kopitar will retire after this season, chasing one last deep run with the Kings while savoring every moment as captain in his 20th year. He wants his kids to experience the Cup moment and hopes a final title isn’t just a dream. Robitaille, already Hall of Famer and Kings president, reflects on a career capped by loyalty and leadership. The franchise stands at a crossroads after a strong season and a reshaped front office, with offseason signings and a search for a sustainable next chapter.

Meanwhile, the Kings’ legacy figures—Rob Blake and Ken Holland—navigate a post-cup core, while new pieces like Kuzmenko, Perry, Armia, and Dumoulin join, aiming to keep the playoff flame alive. The club faces voids beyond Kopitar, with the hockey landscape shifting in a league-wide context, setting the stage for emotional farewells, mentorship moments, and a high-stakes chase for another championship glow for a family of fans.

In Kopitar’s wake, the Kings seek continuity from a veteran-laden nucleus (Doughty, Fiala, Kempe, Byfield) while integrating fresh talent and preserving a competitive edge. The narrative blends a farewell tour with a roster-building puzzle, as a storied franchise hopes to convert meaningful nostalgia into new triumphs and a fresh sense of identity.

Dallas' 2025-26 blue line looks ready to carry the team, anchored by Heiskanen, Harley and Lindell. Lundkvist seeks a breakout after shoulder surgery, while Bichsel, Lyubushkin, Petrovic and Kolyachonok push for regular roles. Depth is younger and less proven, and the Stars must manage health and a new coaching staff to maximize fantasy upside.

Health of the top pair and the balance between 5v5 and power play will define fantasy upside all season. If Harley continues ascending and Lundkvist locks a top-four role, Dallas could unleash a potent blueline for fantasy rosters, with the youngsters gaining meaningful minutes as the year progresses.

Gulutzan reloads Dallas with youth and energy, naming Bourque and Lundkvist as the camp targets while acknowledging gaps left by Granlund and Ceci. Bourque aims for top-six and more offense; Lundkvist looks to cement a trusted role after a bumpy finish under DeBoer. Benn remains a steadying veteran as Duchene and Johnston could supply breakout bursts. Internal growth is the theme, with camp as the proving ground for the Stars’ next wave.

Cody Ceci has signed a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings, ending his brief tenure with the Dallas Stars. The defenseman previously arrived in Dallas from the San Jose Sharks and made an impact during his short stay, contributing nine assists in 31 regular-season games and three assists in 18 playoff outings.

Despite his solid performance on the blue line and crucial role on the penalty kill, Ceci's return to the Stars was hindered by the team's salary cap constraints. His new contract with the Kings, worth $4.5 million annually, marks his fourth team in just over a season, highlighting the fast-paced nature of player mobility in the NHL.

Jim Nill has established himself as the gold standard for NHL general managers, securing his fifth nomination for the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award. This comes after winning the prestigious award for the past two seasons. Under Nill's adept leadership, the Dallas Stars have reached the Western Conference finals for the third consecutive year, showcasing his exceptional roster-building skills.

This season, Nill made crucial moves, including acquiring players like Mikko Rantanen, Mikael Granlund, and Cody Ceci, further solidifying the team's competitive edge. He also successfully locked in long-term contracts for Rantanen and rookie sensation Wyatt Johnston. Nill's impact on the franchise is undeniable, as he continues to redefine what it means to be a successful general manager in the league.