New breakdown reveals what's really going on with the Stars' cap

The Dallas Stars aren't just hoping to stay competitive next season, they're betting big that a series of bold changes, even painful ones, can push them back into the Stanley Cup Final. And it all starts with the hard decisions.

A few weeks ago, the team moved on from Matt Dumba, trading the veteran defenseman and a second-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Vladislav Kolyachonok. At first glance, it seemed like a minor depth swap. But the truth is, it was all about the cap.

Dallas needed to clear Dumba's $3.75 million contract, and shedding that number came with a cost.

Dallas Stars sheds Matt Dumba's contract as young players like Bichsel and Lundkvist step up

Jim Nill's front office has earned plenty of praise, and three straight GM of the Year awards, but even they aren't immune to the reality of NHL math.

"The salary cap is unforgiving. It doesn't care how good your team looks on paper,"

Dumba's time in Dallas didn't go as planned. He was passed on the depth chart by Lian Bichsel and Alexander Petrovic, and Nils Lundkvist is healthy and ready for a regular role again.

Up front, Dallas is replacing lost offense from Mason Marchment, Evgenii Dadonov, and Mikael Granlund. The answer? A healthy Tyler Seguin. A resurgent Jason Robertson.

And a monster addition in Mikko Rantanen, who brings elite production and a 1.24 playoff points-per-game average.

"There's pressure, but we've got guys ready to step up," said Wyatt Johnston in a local media appearance.

Personally, I think Nill deserves credit for making hard calls to keep the window open without blowing up the core.

Add in fresh voices behind the bench like Glen Gulutzan and Neil Graham, plus internal growth from Mavrik Bourque, Roope Hintz, and the AHL pipeline, and Dallas isn't done building yet.