The Dallas Stars have started to claw their way out of a brutal stretch that saw them drop 10 of 12 games-a skid that threatened to derail what had looked like a promising season. But with wins in two of their last three, Dallas is showing signs of life again and reasserting itself in the Central Division playoff race.
The Avalanche are setting a blistering pace at the top of the division, looking like they’re gunning not just for the division crown but possibly the Presidents’ Trophy. That leaves the rest of the Central fighting for second place-and the all-important home-ice advantage in the first round.
For the Stars, that fight is very real. They're now just a single point behind the Minnesota Wild, a team that’s looking more and more like their likely first-round opponent.
But getting into the playoffs is only part of the equation. For Dallas, the goal is to finally break through after three straight conference finals exits.
That means going beyond just surviving the regular season-it means making a move that could push them over the top. And according to multiple reports, the Stars could be eyeing a blockbuster.
Artemi Panarin’s name has surfaced in trade chatter, and it’s not just idle speculation. The New York Rangers forward is reportedly drawing serious interest from several contenders, including the Kings, Hurricanes, Panthers, Capitals, Wild-and yes, the Stars. According to recent reporting, Dallas is firmly in the mix, and Panarin himself may have an eye on Big D, especially if he ends up being a rental.
Elliotte Friedman added some key context to the situation, mentioning that Panarin would prefer to land with a team that’s willing to extend him beyond this season. But if he were to accept a short-term stay, Dallas is one of the few destinations he’d reportedly consider.
That’s a big deal. When a player of Panarin’s caliber singles out your team, it speaks volumes about the roster, the culture, and the potential to win now.
Panarin’s numbers this season have been strong, even as the Rangers struggle through a rough campaign. He’s got 19 goals and 37 assists for 56 points in 51 games-on pace for an 89-point season, which would mark his fifth straight year hitting that benchmark. That kind of production, especially from the wing, is the type of firepower that can tilt a playoff series.
Of course, pulling off a deal like this isn’t simple. Dallas still has to figure out what to do with pending restricted free agent Jason Robertson, and that situation could dictate how aggressive GM Jim Nill is willing to be before the trade deadline. It’s hard to make a major move without knowing how much cap space you’ll need to lock up one of your franchise cornerstones.
Then there’s the question of what it would take to land Panarin. If the Rangers are modeling their ask after the return Colorado gave the Islanders for Brock Nelson, Dallas would need to part with a blue-chip prospect, a useful depth piece, and high draft capital-specifically, a first- and third-round pick. That’s a steep price, but for a player like Panarin, it’s not out of line.
This is the kind of move that could shake up the entire Western Conference. If Dallas decides to go all-in and bring Panarin aboard, it would signal a clear intent to chase the Cup this year-not just contend, but win. And with the way the Stars are built-strong goaltending, a solid blue line, and a core of forwards who can score-adding a dynamic playmaker like Panarin could be the missing link.
The trade deadline is always full of smoke and mirrors, but the Stars are in a position where a bold move might not just be worth it-it might be necessary. Keep an eye on this one. If Panarin ends up in Dallas, the balance of power in the West could shift in a hurry.