The Dallas Stars’ season came to a close after falling to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final, marking their third consecutive appearance in the Final Four. Despite an intense start that included a 6-3 victory in Game 1 to take an early lead in the series, the Stars were unable to maintain momentum as the Oilers claimed the next four games to advance.
With this victory, Edmonton secured its second straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final, where it will face the Florida Panthers in a rare rematch of the previous year’s championship series, reminiscent of the consecutive meetings between the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008 and 2009.
Potential Roster Changes as Dallas Faces Offseason Decisions
As the Stars shift focus to the offseason, significant roster adjustments appear likely for the team returning to the ice next fall. Several players currently eligible for new contracts face uncertain futures, and management must decide who will remain part of the squad moving forward.
Mikael Duchene, now completing his second season with Dallas, has contributed to the team’s successes during regular play and postseason runs. However, his impact during the recent playoffs was limited, registering only one goal throughout the 2025 postseason, which occurred in the opening Game 1 win over Edmonton. Over the past two years, Duchene has been on a $3 million cap hit and delivered a respectable 2024-25 regular season performance.
Jamie Benn’s Contract Situation and Playoff Performance
Team captain Jamie Benn faces a pivotal contract moment as his eight-year, $76 million contract expires on July 1. Benn’s offensive production during the postseason was underwhelming, failing to score more than a single goal during Dallas’ third straight run to the Conference Final, raising questions about his future with the team. Should Benn wish to continue his career in Dallas, he may have to agree to a significant reduction in salary.
Free Agency Prospects for Other Key Dallas Players
Alexander Radulov, the 36-year-old Russian forward, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after two and a half seasons with the Stars following his acquisition from the Montreal Canadiens. Radulov recorded 20 goals and 20 assists this season while carrying a moderate $2.25 million cap hit. His return to Dallas remains uncertain at this point.
Kari Granlund, obtained mid-season from the San Jose Sharks to bolster offensive depth, made a decisive postseason impact, including scoring a playoff hat trick against the Winnipeg Jets, a first in his career. His current contract comes with a $5 million cap hit, and while the Stars may look to re-sign him, it is likely to occur at a slightly reduced salary.
Defender Cody Ceci, also a mid-season acquisition from the Sharks, brings dependable defensive performance at a cap hit of $3.25 million. With the anticipated departure of fellow defenseman Brendan Smith, Ceci’s return to the Dallas roster next season seems probable.
Implications for Dallas Stars’ Free Agency Outlook and Team Strategy
The 2025 offseason represents a critical juncture for the Dallas Stars as they evaluate free agency options and prepare for the upcoming season. With key players like Jamie Benn, Duchene, Radulov, Granlund, and Ceci all facing contract questions, the organization must balance roster continuity with salary cap considerations and long-term competitiveness. These decisions will shape the team’s identity after the disappointment of their playoff exit and influence their pursuit of NHL success in the years ahead.