For the first time in a while, the Dallas Stars have an unstoppable scorer, and that has changed their offensive identity.

The Avalanche first dealt Rantanen, a 2022 Stanley Cup champion while sharing the ice with Kadri, in January to the Carolina Hurricanes before he forced a trade-deadline move to the Stars. Immediately following his trade to Dallas, the Stars signed him to an eight-year, $96 million contract extension —a deal Colorado reportedly refused to match.

Roope Hintz had a goal and an assist for the Stars, and Wyatt Johnston added a late goal. Sam Steel and Mikael Granlund each had two assists.

Rantanen played 19 minutes, 8 seconds. Wyatt Johnston had more ice time. Three Jets forwards played more than 22 minutes. DeBoer may be forced to overskate defensemen due to roster construction, but the Stars remain very democratic up front.

Although Mikko Rantanen has been stealing headlines for the Stars in the postseason, another standout player has been making waves in 2025.

Mikko Rantanen picked up right where he left off after the first round when the Dallas Stars took on the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday.