During the last two seasons, the Edmonton Oilers and the Dallas Stars have played each other in the Western Conference Finals. Edmonton has won both of those series against Dallas, but the Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals both times.
As the 2025-2026 NHL season approaches, Connor McDavid is entering the final year of his contract. Many are wondering if he is going to stay in Edmonton for the long haul or if he is going to leave. He has been with the Oilers since the 2015-16 season. Is his best chance at a Stanley Cup title in Edmonton or elsewhere?
Dallas Stars Have a Case to Sign Connor McDavid This Offseason
Even though the Stars have not won a Stanley Cup title since 1999, they have been trying to knock on the door over the last six years. Despite being in the conference finals over the last two seasons, they won the west in 2020 before losing to the Tampa Bay Lighting in the finals in six games.
If Dallas were to fall short again in 2025-26, they may need to try something different to get them over the top. Would that be potentially signing McDavid in free agency? Each NHL writer for the Athletic made a case as to why that team should sign the superstar.
Mark Lazerus made a pitch as to why Dallas should sign him this offseason and said,
“Hey, Connor. Jim Nill here. You enjoy playing with Leon Draisaitl from time to time, right? Well, how about always playing with Mikko Rantanen? You ever wonder what it’s like to have a reliable goalie? How’s Jake Oettinger sound? You scored a lot of goals with Glen Gulutzan running your power play, no? Well, guess who our new coach is? You’ve had five GMs in 10 years? I’ve been in this chair since you were an Erie Otter. Weary of all the scrutiny in Canada? You could punch Dak Prescott in the face and the press here would only ask Dak about it. Oh, and what are your feelings about taxes?”
There is no doubt that the Stars have a boatload of young talent on the roster. Rantanen is locked up for the long-term. Wyatt Johnston is also a very good forward, who has a knack for scoring clutch goals as well.
Oettinger is one of the best goalies in the NHL. The Stars have a much better goaltending situation than the Oilers do.
In 67 games played with Edmonton last season, McDavid scored 26 goals and recorded 74 assists. His plus/minus rating was +20. He has recorded 100 or more points over the last five seasons. There is no reason why he wouldn’t accomplish that again this season. If McDavid does leave Edmonton after the 2025-26 season, the Stars could be one of the favorites to sign him during free agency.
More NHL News:
Insider reveals Eastern Conference team that threatened Evan Bouchard offer sheet | Sporting News
