The Dallas Stars have made one thing crystal clear: they are all-in for a Stanley Cup run.
Mikko Rantanen was traded to Dallas and immediately signed an 8-year, $96-million contract (© Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)
General manager Jim Nill swung for the fences, dealing away his next three first-round picks to bring in Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund, making the Stars arguably the deepest forward group in the NHL. This is a team that has been on the brink of a championship multiple times in the last five years, and Nill is determined to push them over the top.
https://twitter.com/TSN_Edge/status/1898078504748507513
What the Stars Gave Up:
- Three first-round picks (2025, 2026, 2027)
- Logan Stankoven (promising young forward with plenty of potential)
- Prospects and conditional picks (various minor pieces in the Granlund and Rantanen trades)
Logan Stankoven, now a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, pictured during his time with the Dallas Stars (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
What the Stars Acquired:
- Mikko Rantanen – A true superstar forward with elite scoring ability, signed to an eight-year extension at below-market value.
- Mikael Granlund – A versatile playmaker who adds another layer of skill and depth to the forward corps.
The Verdict:
This is as aggressive as it gets. Trading three consecutive first-round picks is a gamble few GMs are willing to make, but Nill believes this is Dallas’ time to win. Adding Rantanen, who ranks fourth in the NHL in points over the last five seasons, immediately makes the Stars an even bigger offensive powerhouse. His ability to dominate in the offensive zone and create scoring chances in high-danger areas will complement Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Wyatt Johnston perfectly.
Granlund, though not as flashy, brings playmaking ability and experience, fitting seamlessly into a roster that already boasts plenty of firepower. His chemistry with fellow Finnish stars in Dallas (Hintz, Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell) only adds to the upside.
Dallas Stars Shouldn’t Sell Their Future for a Playoff Rental at the Trade Deadline https://t.co/NdNSnYItLB#NHL #THW
— The Hockey Writers (@TheHockeyWriter) March 4, 2025
Of course, there are questions about the long-term implications. With key players like Robertson and Thomas Harley due for new contracts soon, Dallas will have to navigate some serious cap gymnastics. And what does this mean for Jamie Benn, the longtime captain? His role could shift dramatically with Rantanen taking on top-line responsibilities.
But those are concerns for another day. Right now, the Stars are an absolute wagon, statistically one of the best teams in the league since January. They already ranked near the top in goal differential, power play efficiency, and even-strength scoring—now, they’ve added an elite scorer and a reliable veteran playmaker. If they don’t win it all this year, it won’t be because Nill didn’t try.
https://twitter.com/Josh_Clark02/status/1896397375222268347
Final Grade: A+ – The Stars went all-in and came out with a juggernaut roster. The Cup window is wide open.