Forget Jason Robertson and Jake Oettinger, the real X-factors for the Dallas Stars might surprise you

The Dallas Stars enter the 2025-26 season with the same goal they have carried for the past three years, to take that final step and return to the Stanley Cup Final.

Yet after three straight trips to the Western Conference Final ended in heartbreak, there is a growing sense that the difference this time may not come from Jason Robertson, Jake Oettinger, or Mikko Rantanen.

Instead, the spotlight is shifting toward two rising talents who could change everything. Mavrik Bourque and Thomas Harley may not be household names on the same level as Dallas's cornerstone stars, but their growth has the potential to be the ultimate X-factor.

Bourque, the AHL's former scoring champion, is no longer stuck in a fourth-line role. The 22-year-old forward is expected to earn a spot where his creativity and offensive instincts can truly shine.

Analyst Jeff Marek said on 32 Thoughts that Bourque is "a bona fide NHLer", and that kind of endorsement has only raised expectations. If he can provide consistent secondary scoring, the Stars' already dangerous lineup becomes nearly impossible to contain.

Why Bourque and Harley may hold the key for the Dallas Stars

Harley, meanwhile, has already proven himself as one of the league's most underrated young defensemen. After back-to-back seasons nearing 100 combined points, his steady two-way play has given Dallas the flexibility they desperately need on the blue line. As NHL.com highlighted last season, Harley's ability to slide into Miro Heiskanen's role during injuries showed that the Stars have more than one elite defender in their system.

Even Sportsnet analysts have pointed out that Harley's emergence has eased the pressure on Heiskanen, allowing Dallas to spread minutes more effectively.

That kind of depth is what separates Cup winners from near-misses.

The Stars know their core is strong enough, but whether they can finally break through may depend on whether Bourque delivers a breakout and Harley continues his steady rise.

Personally, I think Bourque's potential to add secondary scoring could be just as important as Harley's defensive maturity, and together, they might be the missing piece that turns a contender into a champion.