The book has been written, and quite literally: The Dallas Stars are now co-favorites to win the 2025 Stanley Cup, and it's down to the deal that brought Mikko Rantanen into the fold.

How does this team look for a deep playoffs run, especially if Tyler Seguin returns in his early-season form? Is it ridiculous to put so much faith in this lineup so early? Can the defense measure up? And what does Rantanen's presence mean for the Stars going forward – their power play, their postseason resilience, their...whatever you've got?

History shows that we need all hands on deck for this kind of thing, so once again Wes and Mark have called in reinforcements. DBD's own Brad McDonnell – a former DFW-area sports reporter turned digital marketing expert – makes his Stargazing debut to talk about the Stars' latest rise. It's a fun ride, so listen someplace where you won't feel self-conscious about clapping along.

So...does the Victory Green Gang once again have a Top 3 top line in the NHL? Our listeners have questions. Stargazing has answers. And it's all brought to you by BetOnline, because The Game Starts Here for real.

Do you expect ’99 Stars-level offense from the roster of weapons Jim Nill has assembled? ...Are you willing to bet Jason Robertson's Brett Hull Invisibility Shield on it? Let's talk about it at Defending Big D. Your input always fuels our future casts. (And we have been known to mention players by name. Just saying.)

Hey, while you're there, don’t forget to give us a like, review, or share where you listen. Thanks for your support.