When you build the top team in the NHL’s best division, you get rewarded.
The Western Conference–leading Dallas Stars announced a five-year contract extension for general manager Jim Nill Friday morning.
The 57-year-old executive is only in the third year of his current five-year deal. The new one will lock him up through the 2022-23 campaign.
“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,” Stars owner Tom Gaglardi said in a release.
“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.”
Since replacing Joe Nieuwendyk as Dallas’s GM in April 2013, Nill has orchestrated a number of marquee trades, landing such stud forwards as Tyler Seguin, Jason Spezza and Patrick Sharp.
Prior to joining Dallas, Nill spent 15 years as an assistant GM with the Detroit Red Wings, winning four championships with the club.
“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.”
Nill’s additions of defenceman Johnny Oduya and goaltender Antti Niemi last off-season have helped mend the Stars’ defensive woes of 2014-15, and his decision to lock up young John Klingberg to a seven-year deal in April looks brilliant thus far.
Klingberg, 23, carries a modest $4.25-million cap hit but is second only to Erik Karlsson in scoring among blue-liners, with 38 points.
The Stars’ 29-10-4 record marks the franchise’s best start at the 43-game mark.
