We've talked time and time again about how when the Dallas Stars finally get their new owner (and it looks like that blessed event will happen this month), it doesn't necessarily mean an immediate change in the team on the ice.
General manager Joe Nieuwendyk reiterated that sentiment in this story from Mike Heika, where he talks about how he likes how the group is shaping up at the moment and doesn't think it needs additions.
On the plus side, Heika infers there may be flexibility to make a big trade if the scenario sets up right later in the year.
"If and when Tom (Gaglardi) comes in, my message to him will be that I like this team and I think it needs a chance to come together and prove itself,'' Nieuwendyk said. "We added seven new players and we're only 11 games into the season, and things are looking pretty good right now. I'd like to let this group breathe for a little while.''
...
"`There are quick decisions, and we're always keeping our eye out for them, but it makes a difference if you have the ability to get in the mix,'' he said.
After the jump, it's another slow news day with no practice, so we get news of the agreements between DirecTV and the Fox Sports groups, a feature on Richard Matvichuk and not one, but two moments of video hilarity.
- We put this up earlier today, but it's good enough news that it bears repeating - Fox and DirecTV have come to an agreement to keep all the channels, including Fox Sports Southwest, on the satellite provider. [Broadcasting and Cable]
- With the last links from the 1999 Stanley Cup-winning team on their last legs in the NHL (Jamie Langenbrunner, I'm looking at you), some of the veteran members of that team are starting to pop up in the coaching and scouting ranks. Former defenseman Richard Matvichuk hopes to be one of those soon. [DallasStars.com]
- I can't be there because of the whole living-in-a-different-state thing, but I hope everyone in the area can attend our Dallas Stars Watch Party in a few weeks. And yes, I am linking to another post on this blog for your convenience. [Defending Big D]
- I'm not quite sure what this selection of Jack o'Lanterns says about Razor, but they sure are fun to look at. [Razor With An Edge]
- Again, it was a rather slow news day in Stars world with no practice, so Mark Stepneski spent the day catching up with the AHL's Texas Stars, who are being led by strong seasons from Matt Fraser and Philip Larsen. [ESPN Dallas]
- The Edmonton Oilers get the biggest play in this article yet again, but the Stars are mentioned as one of the most surprising storylines early in the NHL season.[NHL.com]
- And here's another story along those same lines, except this one focuses solely on the Stars and what's been going right for them, including high praise for coach Glen Gulutzan. [The Hockey Writers]
- Elliotte Freeman goes through realignment talk and other thoughts from around the league, and the Stars (not to mention our own Brandon Worley) get several mentions. [CBC.ca]
- Hey look, people are still speculating when Sidney Crosby could return for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The newest thought is it might be against the Stars on Nov. 11. I really just don't care anymore. He'll be back when he's back. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]
- Around the Pacific Division: In an amusing trash-talk fail, Joe Thornton calls the New York Rangers the "softest" team the San Jose Sharks faced on their recent road trip. That would have been so much more effective if the Sharks hadn't just lost 5-2. [CSN Bay Area]
- Sometimes you just get a little too excited and hug a player from the opposing team instead of your own. I mean, this has happened to all of us, right? [Puck Daddy]
- Still nothing new from the Stars in terms of video. So today, I bring you this commercial from Finland for a hockey team that apparently specializes in construction.