What can Stars do before trade deadline to lift their title chances?

First off, who should the Stars be looking to acquire? The "Locked On Stars" podcast tackled the topic back in December, focusing on the blue line. 

Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev is mentioned and seems like a possibility for the Stars since the Flames are already making trade moves in 2024. Although, Tanev is on a lot of teams' radars right now including the Edmonton Oilers, who have more favorable odds to top the conference than the Stars do at the moment.

Another name mentioned is Flyers defenseman Sean Walker, who could help round out the blue line since he is both a right-handed shot — something Dallas's d-corps needs — and doesn't carry too big of a cap hit. 

While these are just two examples, there are certainly defensive players out there the Stars could acquire to help their case to top the conference. Speaking of cap hits: The Stars are going to have to clear up some cap space first if they want to make necessary additions before the deadline, and The Athletic and NHL Trade Rumors each list several players that could be part of a trade package. 

Thirty-year-old center Radek Faksa is a possible trade piece since he has only 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 44 games this season but has the potential to be more productive elsewhere. Young defenseman Nils Lundkvist is another player the Athletic points to, noting that the 23-year-old Swede is "a restricted free agent after this season, which could entice a rebuilding team to bring him in for a third chance in the NHL." Again, these players would probably have to be part of a package deal for a successful trade to take place, but that is definitely in the cards for a team looking to beef up on the back end. 

So once the Stars make necessary moves at the deadline, what does that do for their odds in the Western Conference? They are currently listed behind the Oilers (+330), Colorado Avalanche (+380) and Vancouver Canucks (+600). 

The Stars have allowed two or more goals to each of these teams so far this season, with the Avalanche winning 6-3 and 5-4. They face all of them down the stretch heading toward the postseason. 

If Dallas gets help on the blue line in the next few weeks and keeps these teams off the board in their upcoming matchups, their chances of being the favorites in the West are sure to improve.

Of course, this is all suggestive until Stars general manager Jim Nill makes a move. We'll just have to keep an eye on the Stars as the trade deadline inches closer. If they make the right moves for their defense, we could see their odds of topping the Western Conference become more favorable.