NHL.com points out the 3 issues that could make or break the Dallas Stars and they're spot on

The Dallas Stars are built to contend again, but lingering questions could decide if this season ends in triumph or frustration.

Year after year, the Dallas Stars find themselves in the mix. They've made three straight trips to the Western Conference Final, and their core of Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Miro Heiskanen keeps them among the NHL's elite.

But making the playoffs and winning the Cup are very different challenges. Heading into the 2025-26 season, NHL.com has pointed out that Dallas faces three critical questions and the answers could define the entire year.

These aren't small details. They're the storylines that could separate a good season from a championship run.

1. Mavrik Bourque steps into the spotlightwith the Dallas Stars

One of the biggest questions centers on 22-year-old Mavrik Bourque. After Mason Marchment was dealt to the Seattle Kraken, a second-line spot opened up next to Tyler Seguin and Matt Duchene.

Bourque showed flashes of his talent last season with 25 points in 73 games, but now the Stars need him to take another step. Can he bring steady offense in a top-six role? Or will the team need to shuffle the lineup again to find balance?

"This is the type of opportunity you wait for as a young player," one analyst said.

If Bourque seizes it, Dallas could have another long-term piece locked in.

2. Glen Gulutzan's second chance behind the bench

The return of Glen Gulutzan as head coach is another storyline filled with intrigue. His first stint in Dallas was during a rebuild, but now he takes over a contender with expectations of a Stanley Cup.

After years of working alongside respected names like Mike Sullivan and Ken Hitchcock, Gulutzan brings more experience and maturity this time. How he handles a veteran-heavy roster, and how quickly he installs his system, could be the difference between steady progress and another postseason disappointment.

3. Nils Lundkvist faces a career-defining season

The final question mark lies on defense, where Nils Lundkvist enters his third season with Dallas. The Swedish blueliner has shown flashes of skill but hasn't locked down a permanent spot.

With Cody Ceci and Matt Dumba out of the picture, Lundkvist now has the clearest path yet to prove he belongs in the top six. At 25, this could be the year that defines whether he becomes part of Dallas's future or fades into a depth role. Even Sportsnet has noted that his opportunity in Dallas may be make-or-break.

I think if Bourque delivers, Gulutzan steadies the bench, and Lundkvist makes his case on defense, Dallas won't just be another Final Four team... they could finally be playing for the Cup in June.