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.

Glen Gulutzan steps into the role of head coach for the Dallas Stars, shifting from his previous position with the Edmonton Oilers, where he contributed to the team's postseason success against Dallas. In his introductory press conference, Gulutzan emphasized the Stars' strong performance, having accumulated over 100 points, and highlighted a focus on enhancing the team's physicality—a key challenge noted during past playoff encounters.

He aims to adjust the Stars' forecheck strategies to better equip the team for the rigors of playoff hockey, seeking incremental improvements rather than sweeping changes. With players like Jamie Benn and Lian Bichsel returning, along with new acquisition Radek Faksa, the Stars are poised to adopt a more physical style of play. Gulutzan's coaching staff will see some shifts as well, with specific roles assigned to assistants to optimize team performance.

The Dallas Stars have officially issued a qualifying offer to forward Antonio Stranges, ensuring they retain his negotiating rights. Stranges, a 23-year-old left winger, was drafted by the Stars in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft and signed to a three-year entry-level contract in 2022. His development has been notable, as he accumulated 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) in 55 games during the previous AHL season with the Texas Stars, setting career highs in both goals and assists.

Should the Stars have not extended this offer, Stranges would have become an unrestricted free agent, allowing other teams to pursue him without compensation. The qualifying offer means another team could sign him to an offer sheet; however, the Stars would then have the opportunity to match that offer to keep him within their organization. This move highlights the team's commitment to developing Stranges, who has shown promise as he transitions from the AHL to the NHL.

Edmonton Oilers' general manager Stan Bowman has identified Connor McDavid as the team's top priority as he enters the last year of his contract. McDavid, the league's standout captain, has emphasized his desire to win above all else, showing no urgency regarding a contract extension. As he becomes eligible for an extension on July 1, discussions will commence, guided by McDavid's timeline.

Bowman noted the need for offseason changes, particularly in offensive and goaltending positions, hinting that the Oilers won't be bringing back all the same players. Additionally, star defenseman Evan Bouchard's restricted free agency status will also require attention as he aims to remain in Edmonton.