Happy Monday, DBDers! Let’s get the week started with more deep thoughts from the Stars’ award-winning GM.
Jim Nill’s Dallas Stars Hockey Club is easily one of the best-run teams in the NHL, and it’s not just us saying that. So it’s no wonder that everyone wants to know what’s going on in his head – even (especially?) during the offseason.
Adam Proteau of The Hockey News spent some time with the two-time Jim Gregory Award winner in late July. The result is a wide-ranging interview on everything from the burgeoning Dallas hockey market to the quality of the Stars’ blueline. Here’s Nill on the team’s current youthquake:
The Hockey News: You had a good run as a team last season, but how would you characterize the moves you’ve made and the changes you’ve made to the roster this summer?
Jim Nill: I think last year we showed we’re a good team. Like you said, there’s changes, there’s always going to be changes. So the question is, how do those new players fit in? And then the other part of it, there’s the evolution of the younger players. Last year at this time, we didn’t have (Logan) Stankoven on the team, we didn’t have Mavrik Bourque on the team. And I think (defenseman Lian) Bichsel’s getting a step closer. So, between the changes you make and the evolution of young players, that’s a little bit of a question mark, but that’s kind of how our game and our team and the business is set up – there’s always going to be changes, and you hope that as the season starts out that you’re a good team. And then you wait and see where you’re at and where you have to make changes, if you need to.
He also addressed the Stars’ new netminding tandem, and how he expects it to work:
The Hockey News: Also, you made a meaningful change in net, parting ways with Scott Wedgewood as Jake Oettinger’s understudy and signing Casey DeSmith to replace Wedgewood. What was the thought process with those decisions?
Jim Nill: We did think Scott did well with us last year, but in the end, we couldn’t make the money work with him. But we’re happy that Casey DeSmith wanted to be part of the group, and we see him giving us solid support for Jake Oettinger. Depth is so important everywhere, including in net, so we’re comfortable we’ve got a duo in Jake and Casey that’s going to give us a chance to win night-in and night-out.
The full interview was posted in six parts, but each is quite short and all of them are up now. Check it out at these links:
- Jim Nill, Part 1
- Jim Nill, Part 2
- Jim Nill, Part 3
- Jim Nill, Part 4
- Jim Nill, Part 5
- Jim Nill, Part 6
Stars Stuff
Like Jason Robertson, Miro Heiskanen hit new highs under the first year of Pete DeBoer’s leadership, then had a statistical falling-off last season. What will change if he moves back to his natural left side in 2024-25? Mike Heika considers the possibilities.
Around The Leagues
- The Jake Oettinger preseason hype train is gaining momentum: Now NHL Network lists him among the league’s top 10 goalies. [NHL]
- You know the award named for him, but how much do you know about the real Hobey Baker? ESPN’s 30 For 30 podcast has finally taken on the hockey legend, war hero, and Gilded Age icon. Adam Wodon has a preview. [College Hockey News]
Finally
Does Roope Hintz want to be the Stars’ new best golfer? Hard to say, but his new charity tournament is best all around. Enjoy.