It seems crazy to think that the Dallas Stars wrapped up their 2018-19 campaign less than two weeks ago. It’s also crazy to think that a maximum of nine Stanley Cup Playoff games separate the NHL from crowning a new champion and closing the book on the 2018-19 season.
Simply put: the offseason is quickly approaching. And for the Stars and the rest of the NHL, that means an opportunity to assess and plan for the future.
The offseason is arguably the most thrilling time of year on the hockey calendar. Trade rumors begin swirling, draft prospects become a central focus for most teams throughout the early part of June, and each of the 31 teams survey their pending free agents and potential trade pieces as they assemble an offseason strategy that will help them get a step closer to being a contender in the season to follow.