Why the Dallas Stars Will Win the 2025 Stanley Cup:
As the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs draw closer, one team is checking every box on the contender list: the Dallas Stars. With a deep, balanced roster, impactful trade additions, emerging young talent, and the potential return of key players off LTIR, the Stars are built not just to compete, but to win it all.
Early Moves
Before the trade deadline even arrived, Dallas got to work. The acquisitions of Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci from San Jose brought exactly what you’d expect from a front office going all-in. Granlund is a smart skilled two-way forward who can slide into any situation, while Ceci adds depth to an already reliable blue line. These weren’t flashy moves but they were winning moves.
Rantanen Joins the Fight
Then came deadline day, and with it, a seismic shift in the Western Conference. The Stars landed Mikko Rantanen, a super star powerful and skilled winger capable of dominating playoff hockey. Rantanen instantly gives Dallas another top-tier offensive weapon and a player who can change a game with a single shift. That kind of talent on a contending roster that puts a team over the top. Rantanen brings winning experience to the team as he won the Stanley cup with the Avalanche in 2022.
Veteran Leadership: Benn and Duchene Set the Tone
While new faces strengthen the roster, the heartbeat of the Stars remains their veteran core. Captain Jamie Benn has embraced his leadership role, setting the tone with physical play, accountability, and an undeniable will to win. Matt Duchene, meanwhile, has been a quiet steal, bringing experience, offensive touch, and consistency in key moments. Both have been instrumental in guiding this group through the ups and downs of a long season.
The Younger Core Is Thriving: Johnston, Hintz, Robertson, and Harley
Dallas’s youth isn’t just surviving, they’re thriving. Wyatt Johnston has emerged as one of the league’s brightest young forwards, combining elite hockey IQ with calm finishing ability. Roope Hintz continues to be a dominant two-way force, and Jason Robertson remains one of the NHL’s most creative and productive scorers with his tremendous shot.
On defense, Thomas Harley has taken a huge step forward. His mobility, composure, and puck-moving ability have made him a core piece of the Stars’ blue line and a perfect complement to the team’s mix of veteran defensemen. A lot of fans got to see Harley on Canadas blue line during the 4 nations tournament and he was impressive.
Reinforcements Incoming: Seguin and Heiskanen Loom Large
And just when you think this team couldn’t get any deeper, Tyler Seguin and Miro Heiskanen could both return from LTIR for the playoffs. Seguin adds playoff pedigree and scoring depth, while Heiskanen is a game-changing defenseman who can log massive minutes in all situations. Their potential return would give the Stars a major competitive edge come Round 1.
A Championship-Caliber Roster
With Jake Oettinger between the pipes, a well-rounded defense, a relentless forward group, and now even more firepower from trade acquisitions and potential playoff reinforcements, the Dallas Stars are built for a deep run.
They’re experienced. They’re hungry. And in 2025, they just might finish the job.