After back-to-back appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final, the Dallas Stars success made the team a desirable free agent destination. The organization’s achievements have been a massive asset to General Manager Jim Nill’s roster-building and development processes. Moreover, the team has been on the doorstep of the Stanley Cup Final, just unable to reach the next level. The 2024 offseason saw several Stars depart, leaving holes that needed filling. While some have their concerns over the additions made, it’s clear that players now want to play for Dallas for many reasons, including the opportunity to win a Stanley Cup.
The Dallas Stars Success Has Made Them Perennial Stanley Cup Contenders
Dallas has cemented itself as a Stanley Cup contender in the Western Conference. Even former NHLer Paul Bissonnette told reporters during a media call before the 2024 playoffs began that Dallas was his pick to reach the Stanley Cup Final at the end of the season. The depth and leadership have been there, and many of the offseason moves were made to replicate what was lost: mainly the leadership of Joe Pavelski, Ryan Suter, Chris Tanev, Scott Wedgewood, Jani Hakanpaa, and others. Still, the Stars have not been able to get over the hump, and the new additions are eager to help speed up the process and add a Stanley Cup to their legacies.
“I think every year that goes by that you don’t get there, it just makes you hungrier,” defenceman Matt Dumba told the media after signing with Dallas. “I’ve been sitting on the outside looking in for a long time. Been to the playoffs almost every year of my career but never got to that final. That’s something I want to do and will be working hard toward. I’m sure these guys who have been there a lot these past two years want to take that next step and prove it to themselves. I hope I can help the best I can, and we can all take that step together.”
The Stars Elite Coaching Staff
Head coach Pete DeBoer leads the team for a third season and coaches a style of play that appeals to those across the league. Dallas is DeBoer’s fifth NHL coaching stop, and he has taken two of his previous teams to the Stanley Cup Final. Despite all his success and accolades during his time in the league, he has yet to win it.
“I’ve talked to a handful of guys who played for him before,” Dumba said. “They all had very high praise. I’m really excited to play for him and be a part of this Stars organization.”
The Dallas coaching staff also features many experienced assistants who have been part of long playoff runs. Goaltending coach Jeff Reese is one of the few who has actually won a Stanley Cup.
“Based on my first impression on the phone, he seems like the nicest guy ever and has a great relationship with Jake [Oettinger]. I can tell,” new backup goalie Casey DeSmith told reporters. “I’m just looking forward to slotting in there and creating the camaraderie with those guys.”
Familiarity
Familiarity with the team, its front office and operations, and the Dallas area has also worked in the Stars’ favour when it comes to attracting new players. Dumba should be a familiar name to fans after his hit on Pavelski during the 2023 playoffs, and his play against the Stars over the last decade played a role in his signing this offseason. New defenceman Brendan Smith is also familiar with the front office, as his time with the Detroit Red Wings overlapped with Nill, who was part of the group that drafted him.
Young Core of Players
Dallas has 15 players on its current roster who will be younger than 30 when the season starts, and 11 will be 25 or younger. The latter group includes guys like Wyatt Johnston, Jason Robertson, Logan Stankoven, Mavrik Bourque, Thomas Harley, Miro Heiskanen, and Nils Lundkvist, who have all shown they can produce in the NHL. Goalie Jake Oettinger and forwards Roope Hintz, Sam Steel, and Mason Marchment are also under 30. All 15 guys have played integral parts of the Dallas Stars’ recent run of success.
Passionate Fanbase
Playoff hockey delivers gameday atmospheres unlike anything else. Over recent years, Dallas has been at the forefront of postseason play and embraced the challenge, thanks to the Stars’ success. From unique promotions and innovative gameday activities, displays, and fanfare to the play on the ice, the city has embraced its NHL team after a long lull. The passion has carried across the last two seasons, to the point where opponents have taken notice. It was especially clear to Dumba after his playoff hit.
“I commend them,” Dumba said. “The fact that they were standing up for their team and giving it to me. It didn’t make it easy on me. Every time I touched the puck, I heard the boos raining down on me, even into this year. … That just shows me the passion that they have for the team. I’d expect nothing less, and I’m happy to be on the other side of it now.”
Lifestyle Fit
Dallas and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area is a rapidly growing area of the U.S. Furthermore, it has experienced plenty of success with its sports teams. While the success is contagious, what the city and the overall area brings to the table outside of sports has the attention of the Stars’ new signees.
“We thought it was a great fit, lifetyle-wise, for our family to move there,” DeSmith told reporters. “Obviously, Dallas is a great city, a great area. Great climate. Couldn’t like anything more, and obviously the team was a great fit as well.”
“I love Dallas. I’m from Calgary, so I think I’ve got a little bit of country boy in me already,” Dumba added. “I think it’s just a good fit. And after doing 10 years in Minnesota, I think it’s overdue for some sunshine.”
Main photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
