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Stars extend GM Jim Nill, who has ‘helped instill a culture of excellence’

2010 NHL Draft - Round One

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 25: Jim Nill of the Detroit Red Wings works the draft floor during the 2010 NHL Entry Draft at Staples Center on June 25, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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The report was accurate. The Dallas Stars have indeed signed general manager Jim Nill to a contract extension through 2022-23.

“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,” said Stars owner Tom Gaglardi 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.”

“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,” added Nill.

From the release:

Since joining the Stars, Nill has dramatically re-shaped the team’s culture and roster with a series of trades and acquisitions. In the summer of 2013, he hired veteran coach Lindy Ruff to serve as the team’s head coach and acquired young superstar center, Tyler Seguin, in a blockbuster, seven-player deal with the Boston Bruins. Seeing the need for continued depth at the center position, Nill once again made headlines in the 2014 offseason by bringing in center Jason Spezza via trade with Ottawa to give the Stars one of the most dynamic one-two combinations in the NHL. This past summer, he acquired three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Sharp in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks and signed free agent defenseman Johnny Oduya and goaltender Antti Niemi.

It has not been smooth sailing the entire time for Nill in Dallas. The Stars started poorly last season and it cost them a spot in the playoffs.

“Sometimes it’s one step forward and two steps back,” Nill told PHT last December.

But compared to before he got the job, well, there’s no comparison. The Stars are not only winning, they’re winning in entertaining fashion. Average attendance is 18,261 this season. His first season, it was 15,421.

When Nill was hired, the Stars had missed the playoffs five straight seasons.