The Dallas Stars made an early trade ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline, acquiring Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci from the San Jose Sharks. This proactive move addressed their injury-depleted lineup and strengthened their roster.

Added forward, defenseman ahead of Deadline; 1947 deal for Max Bentley helped Maple Leafs become NHL's 1st dynasty

In the meantime, the Stars (39-19-2) will continue to go with what they have and have added. They are 6-2-1 since acquiring Granlund and Ceci and find themselves in second place in both the Central Division and Western Conference, eight points back of the Winnipeg Jets.

The NHL's 2024-25 trade deadline was on Friday at 3 p.m. ET, and some big names, like Mikko Rantanen and Brad Marchand, changed teams to significantly alter the balance of power in the NHL.

What are the dream and nightmare scenarios that Stars general manager Jim Nill faces with the NHL Trade Deadline quickly approaching?

With the NHL’s trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, we’re going to pinpoint below the league’s teams that are shaping up as true Stanley Cup contenders. In alphabetical order:

The Dallas Stars have pulled off quite the trade on Deadline Day, acquiring star forward Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes in return for Logan Stankoven and two first-round picks.

The Dallas Stars made an early trade ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline, acquiring Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci from the San Jose Sharks. This proactive move addressed their injury-depleted lineup ...