Here is the big obstacle that could stand in the way of the Dallas Stars in 2025-26

The Dallas Stars' Stanley Cup chase in 2025-26 may hinge on how they replace Mason Marchment, Mikael Granlund, and other key offseason departures

While the core remains intact, several familiar faces are gone, and that could make the margin for error much smaller than in past seasons.

General manager Jim Nill managed to keep the team's foundation of Jason Robertson, Jake Oettinger, Miro Heiskanen, and Roope Hintz together. Still, the summer saw a string of departures that left fans asking how much depth the Stars really lost.

According to NHL.com, Dallas moved on from Cody Ceci, Mikael Granlund, Mason Marchment, Evgenii Dadonov, Magnus Hellberg, Matt Dumba, and Matej Blumel. Not every departure stings equally, but together, the exits reshape the supporting cast around the Stars' biggest names.

Mason Marchment and Mikael Granlund leave the biggest voids in Dallas

The most painful loss may be Mason Marchment. His net-front presence and physical edge often turned playoff games, and he was viewed as a glue guy in the locker room. Jake Oettinger admitted the move hit hard, saying Marchment was

"one of the best guys in the room and a player who made us harder to play against."

Mikael Granlund also leaves a noticeable hole. Despite joining midseason, he produced 21 points in 31 games and added 10 more in the playoffs. As Jim Nill told Puck Prose:

"That was a good team, a real good team but we're going to grow from that the steps the younger guys take, that's what we'll need internally."

Beyond them, Dallas also loses Dadonov's steady contributions and Dumba's grit on the back end. Ceci and Blumel may not have been headline names, but their roles provided depth across a long season.

Now, the challenge shifts to the next wave. Mavrik Bourque is expected to step into a full-time role, while Nils Lundkvist will be asked to take on more responsibility after a year of adjustment. Veterans like Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn must also keep the locker room steady as Dallas looks for balance.

This season may prove whether the Stars' depth can survive the losses. Their core remains one of the best in hockey, but the playoffs have a way of exposing thin spots.