There were rumblings right at the start of last night’s final game of the 2012-2013 season that the Dallas Stars were going to remove Joe Nieuwendyk as general manager. The announcement came swiftly the morning after the Stars wrapped their season up at home, and it is now official that Nieuwendyk is out as the general manager in Dallas.
His tenure will be debated in the days to come, and every move (and non-move) scrutinized to determine what lasting impact he had on this franchise. From trading for Kari Lehtonen to restocking the prospect pool the Stars were severely lacking, there is plenty to talk about. The Stars are expected to announce a new general manager on Monday morning. We will have more on this move, and the new direction the team could head in, over the coming days.
Here is the official press release from Dallas Stars owner Tom Gaglardi:
DALLAS STARS RELIEVE JOE NIEUWENDYK OF DUTIES AS GENERAL MANAGER
Stars Will Introduce New General Manager at Monday Morning Press Conference
FRISCO, Texas – Dallas Stars Owner and Governor Tom Gaglardi announced today that he has relieved Joe Nieuwendyk of his duties as General Manager of the hockey club.
“Joe Nieuwendyk has represented the Dallas Stars extremely well as the club’s General Manager and has helped put pieces in place that will once again turn this team into a contender,” said Gaglardi. “I would like to thank Joe for his contributions to this hockey club and wish him and his family only the best in the future.
“However, I believe it is time to take this organization in a different direction with our intentions set on returning to the elite of the National Hockey League. My commitment to the Dallas Stars is unwavering, and I am confident we have found the right General Manager to return us to the pathway of success.”
Nieuwendyk’s contract was set to expire at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season.