The Dallas Stars continue shaping their roster ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season. In one of the most explosive moves of the market, the Stars had already acquired star forward Mikko Rantanen and secured him with a lucrative contract extension. Now, the franchise has done the same with a key veteran on the roster.
The Stars didn’t hesitate to strengthen their offense when they offered Rantanen an eight-year extension worth a total of $96 million, with an average annual value of approximately $12 million. It’s a sound decision for a team aiming to contend for the league title next season.
Rantanen led the NHL with 19 points in 11 games, becoming the first player to record five games with three or more points in the first 10 playoff games of a single season. With that move already paying off, the Stars have now secured another key piece.
Rantanen’s key teammate who signed a renewal
The teammate of Rantanen who signed an extension with the Stars is none other than forward Matt Duchene, who agreed to a four-year contract renewal worth $18 million, averaging approximately $4.5 million per year.
Matt Duchene #95 of the Dallas Stars plays the Colorado Avalanche in the first period at Ball Arena on January 18, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.
The impact of Duchene on the Stars
With this deal, the 34-year-old veteran avoids free agency, which opens on July 1. During the 2024–25 season, Duchene played all 82 games, recording 30 goals, 52 assists, and 82 points, leading the Stars in offensive production.
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In the playoffs, he contributed 6 points (1 goal and 5 assists) in 18 games, helping the team reach the Western Conference Finals for the third straight season. This decision strengthens the team’s core as they continue their pursuit of the championship.
