Dallas Stars Trade Key Assets to Regain Salary Cap Compliance for 2025 Season

The 2025-2026 Dallas Stars are navigating a challenging salary cap situation after trading Matt Dumba in a cap-dump move to achieve compliance, but they face further cap pressures next offseason, especially with key restricted free agents like Jason Robertson expected to command high salaries. The Stars are under pressure to break their 27-year Stanley Cup drought after three consecutive Western Conference Final exits, with their roster changes reflecting a balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term planning. Meanwhile, in the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts have $20.1 million in salary cap space with the defensive and offensive lines commanding the largest hits, while stars like Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones contribute significant cap burdens. The Dallas Cowboys, preparing for training camp, hold $32.5 million in cap space, ranking eighth in the NFL, and anticipate freeing more room via potential cuts and contract extensions for key players like Micah Parsons. Across the league, NFL salary cap management remains complex, with only the top 51 contracts counting against the cap during the offseason, influencing teams' ability to make moves, highlighted by the Steelers' signing of Aaron Rodgers and ongoing negotiations involving T.J. Watt. These developments underscore the strategic roster and cap management challenges both NHL and NFL teams face as they prepare for their respective seasons.