Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill is has turned his team into an unstoppable offensive force. With the Stars now sitting at 29-10-4 - the best start in franchise history after 43 games - and atop the Western Conference, Stars owner Tom Gaglardi is feeling pretty good about the moves made by Nill over the past few seasons that have allowed the team to reach such high levels of regular season success and, as a result, has rewarded Nill with a five-year contract extension.
"In just over two years, Jim has helped instill a culture of excellence within our organization and extending that partnership to 2022-23 is vital for the direction of the hockey club," Gaglardi said in a statement posted to the team website. "From the day he stepped into this role, he has displayed tremendous decision-making in the re-tooling of our group and we're excited to build upon the foundation that has been laid. We feel he is one of the best general managers in our League and we are thrilled he is so committed to us."
The 57-year-old Nill is in his third season at the helm of the Dallas franchise. In that time, he hired Lindy Ruff as head coach, traded for top contributors Tyler Seguin and Jason Spezza and added strong support players in Rich Peverley, Patrick Sharp and Johnny Oduya.
The new five-year extension, first reported by Mike Helka of the Dallas Morning News, will carry Nill through the 2022-23 season.
"First and foremost, I want to thank the Gaglardi family and Jim Lites for their commitment to what we are building," said Nill. "I've said over and over again, just how special of a group we have here in Dallas, and developing and maintaining a winning organization is something I look forward to over the next seven years. My wife, Bekki, and I love the area and we truly call it our home."
The only thing Nill hasn't yet been able to accomplish is a postseason series victory. The Stars last won a playoff series in 2007-08 and last qualified for the NHL playoffs in 2013-14, losing in the first round to the Anaheim Ducks.
But with the team playing in the manner it has to start this season, it seems like a safe bet that that narrative will be changing in the not-too-distant future.
