Stars GM admits there will be some changes after Round 1 exit

Following another early playoff exit, the Dallas Stars are expected to make adjustments this offseason, though general manager Jim Nill made it clear the organization is not considering a complete overhaul. Dallas was eliminated by the Minnesota Wild in six games during the Western Conference First Round despite taking a 2-1 lead. The Stars dropped the final three games of the series after finishing the regular season with a 50-20-12 record for their third consecutive 50-win season.

Nill pointed to the team’s recent postseason track record as evidence that sweeping changes are unnecessary.

“We’re a good team, I’m not going to go and make a bunch of changes,” Nill said. “I’ve been through this rodeo before, going back to my years (as assistant general manager) in Detroit (with the Red Wings). We go three rounds and the next year you lose in the first round, and everybody wants to blow it up. And then you go the next year to the third round and win a Cup.

“Is there going to be some changes? Yes probably, it’s going to happen organically, it’s going to happen with people pushing for jobs, but I’m not blowing this up, we’re too good of a team.”

Dallas reached the Western Conference Final in each of the previous three seasons, losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and the Edmonton Oilers in both 2024 and 2025. The Stars also finished second in the Central Division this season behind the Colorado Avalanche, ending eight points ahead of Minnesota.

Injuries were a major issue throughout the year. Forward Mikko Rantanen missed 15 games after suffering a knee injury while playing for Finland during a semifinal matchup against Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. Rantanen still produced 77 points, including 22 goals and 55 assists, in 64 regular-season games while adding seven points in six playoff contests. The 29-year-old completed the first season of the eight-year, $96 million contract he signed after arriving from the Carolina Hurricanes in a trade that sent Logan Stankoven and four draft picks the other way.

Dallas now faces a difficult salary cap situation despite the NHL’s projected $104 million cap for 2026-27. The Stars are projected to have about $11.1 million in cap space with 19 roster players already under contract. The biggest priority is restricted free agent Jason Robertson, who led Dallas with 96 points and 45 goals in all 82 games this season. Robertson’s expected contract could approach the $12 million annual value range, similar to Rantanen’s deal, potentially pushing the Stars over the cap.

Veteran captain Jamie Benn is also eligible for unrestricted free agency after recording 36 points in 60 games. Nill stated Benn would remain captain if he returns. Dallas must additionally address restricted free agent Mavrik Bourque, who finished with 41 points in 82 games, while potential roster moves involving Esa Lindell or Ilya Lyubushkin could become necessary to create additional financial flexibility.

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