New York Rangers and Dallas Stars become main points of uncertain offseason trade rumor during NHL free agency discussion

The New York Rangers have plenty of salary-cap space going into the offseason and are in a good position to make a big splash in terms of adding players to the roster. The Dallas Stars are bracing for contract talks with key members of their core and face some important financial decisions.As the NHL free agency talks continue across the league, the two franchises have been increasingly connected in reports and speculation. Though no trade has been made official, the potential of a big move has garnered plenty of attention around the NHL news cycle.There has been talk of the New York Rangers and Dallas Stars being involved with Dallas center Roope Hintz.The discussion is based on the Stars’ long-term salary-cap outlook and the Rangers’ ability to assume a big contract. Hintz is still one of Dallas’ most productive forwards and is viewed as someone who could add to a top-six forward group on any contender. That has led to NHL trade chatter about his future picking up steam during the offseason.The New York Rangers could benefit from Roope Hintz’s combination of offensive production, speed and two-way play.The Rangers have been looking to add depth down the middle while staying competitive in the Eastern Conference. During his NHL career, Hintz has shown himself to be a reliable scorer and a good defensive player. He's versatile and can play in any situation, which would add even more flexibility to New York's forward groups.Any potential move would be more significant for the Dallas Stars’ salary-cap structure and future roster planning.Dallas is trying to keep a championship-caliber roster while facing upcoming financial obligations. Any decision on a player of Hintz’s ilk probably would have less to do with what he does on the ice than the organization’s larger goals.For the time being, it remains hypothetical. The connection between the New York Rangers and the Dallas Stars continues to be one of the most closely followed NHL trade rumours of the offseason.