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Detroit Red Wings writer disrespects the Dallas Stars in NHL power tier debate

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Vince Hull | Last updated Aug 24, 2025 2:25 PM ET

The Dallas Stars keep getting overlooked in NHL contender rankings despite three straight trips to the Western Conference Final.

The Dallas Stars were front and center on the latest DLSS Stars Podcast, but not for the reasons fans might expect...

Detroit Red Wings writer Max Bultman sparked debate when he laid out his NHL contender tiers, placing the Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, and Vegas Golden Knights in the "top tier", while dropping the Stars into the second tier alongside Colorado and Tampa Bay.

For Stars fans, the comments sounded less like analysis and more like disrespect.

Dallas has been to three straight Western Conference Finals, outlasting Vegas in the postseason last year, and yet they're being told they don't belong in the league's highest echelon.

Max Bultman's tier list puts Vegas above Dallas, and fans aren't buying it

Bultman explained his reasoning on the podcast:

"For me, the top tier is Florida, Edmonton, and Vegas. Then right after that, the second tier is Dallas, Colorado, and Tampa Bay."

It's hard to argue against Florida or Edmonton. Both clubs have made consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances, with the Panthers winning it all. But including Vegas over Dallas is where the frustration comes in.

The Golden Knights were bounced in the first round last season, while the Stars have consistently advanced deeper in the playoffs and built one of the NHL's most balanced rosters.

Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Miro Heiskanen continue to lead a core that has proven it can contend year after year.

As one analyst reminded listeners:

"Dallas has done more than Vegas since 2023, and yet they're still treated like outsiders in these debates."

Personally, I think this is exactly the kind of slight that will fuel the Stars. Being labeled "second tier" despite three years of consistent playoff success only adds motivation to prove the critics wrong.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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