Dallas Stars Trade Rumors

Teams pursued Modano at deadline, but veteran chose to stay with Stars
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March 11
Dallas Morning News
 
"Three teams were pursuing Mike Modano at the trade deadline, but Modano said he did not want to waive his no-trade clause and leave the only NHL franchise for which he has played. Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk confirmed Wednesday night that he asked Modano the day before the March 3 trade deadline if he wanted to pursue a move. Nieuwendyk said he did not actually negotiate with another team, because he first had to establish whether Modano was open to leaving. Nieuwendyk said he did not want to reveal the teams, but Modano said one was Washington. "We talked about this a couple of months ago, and we agreed at the time that if there were teams interested, I would bring the information to Mike," ..."
Steve Ott agrees to four-year contract extension
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March 1
Dallas Morning News
 
"Steve Ott just has confirmed this morning that he has agreed to the deal and expects to sign it today. Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk also has confirmed they have agreed, but that the contract is not signed yet. ``I usually don't like to confirm these things if it isn't signed, but yes, we expect to get it done today.'' Neither would divulge numbers, but is is a four-year contract, and I believe it is just under $12 million."
Dallas Stars, Steve Ott talk contract as trade deadline nears
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March 1
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Stars and winger Steve Ott will try to hammer out a contract extension so the team does not have to consider dealing Ott before Wednesday's 2 p.m. trade deadline. Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk confirmed that the two sides will get together today. "We would like to sign him, and I know he would like to sign here, so it's a matter of finding common ground," Nieuwendyk said. "Obviously, deadlines are important in situations like this, and we've got a pretty important deadline coming up." Ott, 27, is in the final year of his contract and will make $1.5 million this season. He can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Because of Ott's mix of grit and scoring ability, he probably would ..."
If Turco was a Hawks trade target, the terms just changed
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February 26
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Olympic break and the NHL's trade embargo until Monday means this is probably the longest we've gone without some kind of Blackhawks goalie talk-slash-rumor-slash-fear, so here's something: The Dallas Stars waived goalie Alex Auld, making it seem unlikely they will trade veteran Marty Turco, a name rumored to be of interest to the Blackhawks. By waiving Auld, the Stars are down to Turco and the recently acquired Kari Lehtonen, the former Thrasher who spent time playing for the Wolves. It's not that the Stars won't trade Turco. Hey, everybody's available. But waiving Auld means the Stars would need a goalie in return. Turco was 4-1-1 with a 1.15 goals-against average and a .967 save ..."
Stars acquire ex-King Brandon Segal
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February 12
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Stars on Thursday claimed right wing Brandon Segal off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings. Segal (6-2, 209) brings size, a right-handed shot and solid all-around play, said Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk. "He's a good, solid player that [director of player personnel] Dave Taylor has seen a lot, so we decided we would take him," Nieuwendyk said. "He offers us a right-handed shot and adds to our depth.""
Marty Turco still focused on getting Dallas Stars to playoffs
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February 11
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Marty Turco punched diligently at his cellphone Wednesday, checking for updates.That's what happens when your team just acquired a goalie of the future, when you're an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and when the NHL trade deadline is March 3."Haven't heard a word," Turco said with a slight smile, "But you never know."The man who holds pretty much every Stars franchise goaltending record during the regular season, and is scheduled to play his 498th NHL game tonight against the Flames, is trying to take in stride the news that the Stars acquired goalie Kari Lehtonen from Atlanta in a trade Tuesday. Lehtonen has battled injuries, but he is 26 and a former second overall pick in the ..."
Stars' trade for goalie may lead to Turco's departure
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February 11
Dallas Morning News
 
"Marty Turco punched diligently at his cellphone Wednesday, checking for updates. That's what happens when your team just acquired a goalie of the future, when you're an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and when the NHL trade deadline is March 3. "Haven't heard a word," Turco said with a slight smile, "But you never know." The man who holds pretty much every Stars franchise goaltending record during the regular season, and is scheduled to play his 498th NHL game today against the Flames, is trying to take in stride the news that the Stars acquired goalie Kari Lehtonen from Atlanta in a trade Tuesday. Lehtonen has battled injuries, but he is 26 and a former second overall pick in the ..."
Turco to Philly?
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February 10
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Before a flake of snow could accumulate on the ground in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, the internet was brimming with a flurry of Flyers rumors. Surprisingly, it wasn't about Ray Emery and his injury concerns. Rather, it was about another goaltender: the Dallas Stars' Marty Turco, who quickly became a trending topic on Twitter. Turco officially became expendable by the Stars on Tuesday when they acquired Kari Lehtonen from Atlanta for defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy and a 4th round pick. The deal was finalized late Tuesday night. Turco's name, though, has been connected with the Flyers in the rumor mill for weeks. Rogers Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos was the first to report on Tuesday that the ..."
Mike Ribeiro would like to return Tuesday from 'freaky' injury
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February 8
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Mike Ribeiro doesn't like to sit out.Not even during a game.Ribeiro, who is known on the Stars for his long shifts, has been itching to get back into the lineup after suffering a severe throat injury Jan. 6 in New York. While the urgency of an emergency tracheotomy and an extended stay in New York caused Ribeiro to take pause, the desire to get back on the ice quickly took over.Ribeiro has played 76 or more games in each of the past five seasons, including all 82 games last season, so he's not used to this downtime thing."You hate that you cannot help the team win," Ribeiro said of missing 15 games so far. "Usually, with injuries, I like to play even if I'm hurt. If I can skate, I like to ..."
Modano says players not worried about possible Stars ownership change
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February 6
Dallas Morning News
 
"Mike Modano has been through an ownership change before, and he said the team survived just fine. Modano was around when Tom Hicks bought the Stars from Norman Green in 1995 and watched as Hicks poured in money that Green couldn't at the time. The result was a long run of success for the Stars. "I really think we've had two great owners in Norm and Tom, but we needed Tom at that time, and it helped us become the team we became," Modano said. "I imagine whatever happens now, it will help us become a better team." Hicks Sports Group announced Thursday that it is studying the possibility of selling the Stars. The sale could be necessary to meet the demands of loans that were defaulted on in ..."
Tom Hicks explores possible sale of Dallas Stars
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February 5
Dallas Morning News
 
"Tom Hicks has hired an investment group to study the sale of the Stars, Hicks Sports Group announced Thursday. "While a sale is not a certainty, it is a possibility, and Mr. Hicks has received numerous inquiries about the team," Stars president Jeff Cogen said. Hicks, who bought the team for $84 million in December 1995, has been battling financial problems and is addressing more than 40 lenders to whom Hicks Sports Group defaulted on $525 million in loans last March. Hicks Sports Group owns the Stars and the Rangers. Hicks is nearing the completion of the sale of the Rangers. He also owns half of Liverpool FC in the English Premiership. The financial problems this season caused the ..."
Trade-deadline decisions won't be easy for Dallas Stars
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February 4
Dallas Morning News
 
"Joe Nieuwendyk sounds pretty cautious to me. As the first-year Stars general manager prepares for his first NHL trade deadline, he has done a lot of work. He has visited with scouts, he has talked about needs and he has assessed the situation around the league. And yet he might do very little at the trade deadline. The reason? The Stars are still very much in the playoff race, and Nieuwendyk believes the team has every chance to make it. And that will be a big part of the team's thought process as it gets ready for the March 3 trade deadline. "You definitely want to give your team every chance to compete, and that is a huge part of how we will look at things," Nieuwendyk said. "I do ..."
Marty Turco's status is up in air, but reading Stars won't help
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January 24
Dallas Morning News
 
"Marty Turco fully understands the weight of his current situation, he just doesn't believe it helps him in any way to dwell on it. The 34-year-old goalie's contract expires at the end of this season, and he and the Dallas Stars are not discussing an extension. He has struggled at times and last week was replaced by backup goalie Alex Auld for three straight games. And with the NHL's trade deadline coming March 3, there is always the thought he could be playing for a different team before the end of the season. "You guys ask me about it, and I know it's out there, but I really, truly do everything I can to not read about and not talk about it. It does me no good," Turco said after ..."
Turco tempting for team to trade
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January 23
Edmonton Journal
 
"If Minnesota Wild backup Dwayne Roloson fetched a first-round draft pick from the desperate Edmonton Oilers at the trade deadline in 2006, shouldn't Dallas Stars starter Marty Turco be the same attractive bait? Turco has been the Stars No. 1 guy since Eddie Belfour left the team in 2002, but his contract is up July 1, Dallas isn't winning a Stanley Cup with this edition and Turco turns 35 in August. His marketability will never be higher to, say, pitch him to the Washington Capitals if they want to tag-team Turco with Jose Theodore because the Caps have the talent to make it to the Cup final. Or maybe the Philadelphia Flyers, who are scrambling to get into the playoffs, want him. Turco, as ..."
Dallas Stars' defense must fight through injuries
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December 18
Dallas Morning News
 
"There's a very good chance Trevor Daley (shoulder) and Mark Fistric (head injury) can't play Saturday against Detroit. There's a very good chance they may not be able to play for even longer. Both were injured on the Stars' two-game trip east and will be re-evaluated today. So for the first time this season, Dallas might have to deal with some serious injury concerns. "We have to figure it out and take care of it," defenseman Stephane Robidas said. "I see it as an opportunity for some players. When it happened with me a couple years back and [Philippe] Boucher and [Sergei] Zubov were out, I had to look at it as a chance to step up. That's what our players have to do now." The first ..."
Resolve may grow from Dallas Stars' meltdown
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December 10
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Mike Heika
"In a strange way, the Stars' meltdown against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday could be a good thing. In squandering a three-goal lead, giving up the tying goal with 1:02 left in regulation and losing in overtime, 4-3, to a Pacific Division rival, Dallas left its problems with inconsistency for all to see. "You can't hide after something like that," forward Toby Petersen said. "I mean, that's a microcosm of our entire season right there." Reacting to a loss to Edmonton on Saturday in a manner in which they have reacted to losses all season, the Stars came out and played aggressive, puck-control hockey and jumped all over a desperate Ducks team. With two goals from Brad Richards and one from ..."
Transition continues for Dallas Stars, but key decision awaits
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December 10
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Mike Heika
"Well, the venom is out again, and once again, I have to tell you that you just have to be patient (or you have to give up watching the Stars). The Stars are a team in transition, and this is just 30 games into the transition. Yes, there are moves that can be made, and might be made. But the bottom line is new general manager Joe Nieuwendyk has a budget of $45 million for this season, and there's no indication that will change, even if Tom Hicks does sell the Rangers. So then you have to ask yourself - if you were the GM - would you try to roll the dice on a big move in attempt to possibly go after the Stanley Cup this year, or do you stay patient and allow your young players to get more ..."
Stars call up prospect to replace injured Karlis Skrastins
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December 8
Dallas Morning News
 
"Stars prospect Ivan Vishnevskiy probably isn't the best choice to play Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks. With veteran defender Karlis Skrastins sidelined by a lacerated finger, the Stars could have gone with another veteran such as Dan Jancevski or even called up Maxime Fortunus, who showed great chemistry with Mark Fistric in the AHL playoffs last season. Instead, the Stars feel so good about the progress of Vishnevskiy, a 21-year-old blueliner who was taken 27th overall in the 2006 entry draft, that they will add him to an already young defense. "He's got the biggest upside of anyone we've got down there," Stars coach Marc Crawford said. "He's going to play in the National Hockey ..."
Dallas Stars frustrated by 4-1 loss in Detroit
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December 1
Dallas Morning News
 
"The bottom line for the Stars is they generally get what they deserve this season. On Monday night at Joe Louis Arena, a hungry and struggling Red Wings team fought hard for a 4-1 victory against the Stars. On Saturday, the Stars were better than Tampa Bay in a 4-3 OT win. On Friday, Phoenix earned a 5-2 victory against Dallas. It is a confirmation of just how inconsistent this team can be. "It is frustrating, it's very frustrating" said captain Brenden Morrow. "You prepare yourself and you go out and play hard, but they found a way to make more plays. We both had opportunities, but they took advantage of their's." Just as the Stars had taken advantage of their's Saturday when they ..."
Is Dallas Stars' Mike Modano done with The Joe?
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December 1
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Mike Heika
"Here's hoping this wasn't Mike Modano's last game at Joe Louis Arena. The all-time leader in pretty much every offensive category for the Stars franchise, Modano has played more than 50 NHL games in his hometown arena. He skated here hundreds more times before that when he was a member of Little Caesars' storied youth hockey program. So at 39, with his contract up at the end of the season, and this being the second of two trips to Detroit, could this have been the last twirl for him at The Joe? He said he thought about that possibility all day Monday. "I think it's too early to tell you," said Modano, who grew up in nearby Livonia. "There's still a lot of time left in this season.""
Loss would be sad end for Dallas Stars' Mike Modano at Joe Louis Arena
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December 1
Dallas Morning News
 
"Here's hoping this wasn't Mike Modano's last game at Joe Louis Arena.The all-time leader in pretty much every offensive category for the Stars franchise, Modano has played more than 50 NHL games in his hometown arena. He skated here hundreds more times before that when he was a member of Little Caesars' storied youth hockey program.So at 39, with his contract up at the end of the season, and this being the second of two trips to Detroit, could this have been the last twirl for him at The Joe? He said he thought about that possibility all day Monday."I think it's too early to tell you," said Modano, who grew up in nearby Livonia. "There's still a lot of time left in this season.""
Dallas Stars falter on chances in frustrating loss to Detroit Red Wings
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December 1
Dallas Morning News
 
"The bottom line for the Stars is they generally get what they deserve this season. On Monday night at Joe Louis Arena, a hungry and struggling Red Wings team fought hard for a 4-1 victory against the Stars.On Saturday, the Stars were better than Tampa Bay in a 4-3 OT win. On Friday, Phoenix earned a 5-2 victory against Dallas.It is a confirmation of just how inconsistent this team can be."It is frustrating, it's very frustrating," said captain Brenden Morrow. "You prepare yourself and you go out and play hard, but they found a way to make more plays. We both had opportunities, but they took advantage of their's."Just as the Stars had taken advantage of their's Saturday when they scored ..."
Stars F Neal Suspended Two Games
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November 21
TSN.ca
 
"Dallas Stars forward James Neal has been handed a two-game suspension by the National Hockey League for his hit from behind on Columbus Blue Jackets forward Derek Dorsett in the second period of Thursday's game. Dorsett was among a group of players battling along the wall for the puck when Neal came charging in. Neal appeared to leave his feet to deliver a blow to Blue Jackets defenceman Marc Methot, but instead hit Dorsett in the back. The force of the blow drove Dorsett face-first into the glass; he fell to the ice and could not get up."
Stars need to take the high road in a physical game
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November 20
Dallas Morning News
 
"Maybe there's a reason the Stars have been one of the least penalized teams in the NHL this season. Because when they tried to dial up the toughness Thursday night against Columbus, the result wasn't pretty. Dallas had its first three fights at American Airlines Center this season, but allowed three power-play goals en route to a 4-1 loss. James Neal received a five-minute major for boarding in the second period and the accompanying game misconduct. The play will be reviewed for a possible suspension, as well."
Neal expected to return from groin injury
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November 10
Dallas Morning News
 
"James Neal is expected to return to practice today after being out since Wednesday with a groin injury. Neal, who leads the Stars with nine goals and is second with 17 points, probably will return to the left wing on the Stars' top-scoring line with Brad Richards and Loui Eriksson. But coach Marc Crawford was experimenting with different line combinations Monday at practice in the middle of a four-day stretch without a game. Coming off a 3-2 loss in Minnesota on Saturday, Crawford moved Jamie Benn back onto a line with Mike Ribeiro and Brenden Morrow. He switchedJere Lehtinen from Ribeiro's line to one with Mike Modano and Fabian Brunnstrom."
Lehtinen could return to Dallas Stars lineup Sunday
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October 11
Dallas Morning News
 
"Jere Lehtinen is as meticulous in his preparation as he is in his play, and that can mean he might take a few extra games to come back from an injury. But when he does come back, he typically plays the game perfectly. "He understands his own body, and he knows where he needs to be to play up to his standards, and those are very high standards," Dallas Stars coach Marc Crawford said. "I think anyone in the league will tell you how important he is." Lehtinen might play his first game of the season tonight against Vancouver after sitting out the first three with pain in his hip and groin. He's a three-time Selke Trophy winner as best defensive forward in the NHL, tied with Guy Carbonneau ..."
Stars sign Loui Eriksson to 6-year extension
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October 3
Dallas Morning News
 
"Winger Loui Eriksson has become a significant part of the Stars going forward as he signed a six-year contract extension Friday worth $25.5 million. Eriksson, 24, will be paid $1.7 million in the last year of a two-year contract and will start his new deal next season, averaging $4.25 million per year. It will take him through the 2015-16 season. "We've talked about identifying our core players and players we want to build around, and Loui certainly is one of those players," general manager Joe Nieuwendyk said. "He showed an ability to be a great defensive forward. He embodies a lot of the things we're looking for in a player.""
Dallas Stars give Robidas four-year deal
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October 2
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Stars made a commitment to one of their hardest working players Thursday, signing defenseman Stephane Robidas to a four-year contract extension worth $13.2 million. Robidas, who will make $1.5 million this season in the final year of his old deal, will start the extension next season, and it will run through 2013-14. Robidas will count $3.3 million per season toward the salary cap and should become the Stars' highest-paid defenseman. "It's great security for me and my family, and it's great to be with this organization," said Robidas, 32. "This is home for me, and this is a team I feel very good about. It was a very easy decision for me." Robidas has had a tough climb through the ..."
Ex-Stars coach Tippett to lead Coyotes
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September 24
Arizona Republic
 
"Dave Tippett, former coach of the Dallas Stars, will be named the new head coach of the Coyotes today. He replaces Wayne Gretzky, who resigned today. Tippett, 48, coached the previous six seasons in Dallas, compiling a record of 271-156-28. He took the Stars to the playoffs in his first five seasons. The official announcement will come at 3 p.m. news conference."
Zubov's career with Dallas Stars likely finished
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July 15
Dallas Morning News
 
"Sergei Zubov's 12-season career with the Stars probably will come to a quiet end this summer, a natural progression of age and business in the NHL. Zubov, the franchise's all-time leading scorer among defensemen, is recovering from December hip surgery and that is enough to make the Stars cautious about offering him a new contract. Zubov became an unrestricted free agent July 1 and his agent, Jay Grossman, has been shopping him around the NHL. Grossman confirmed Tuesday that nine teams have shown interest in Zubov. Grossman believes Zubov, who will turn 39 on July 22, will sign with a new team sometime in the near future. "We have made good progress in talks with several teams, and I ..."
Zubov's time with Stars likely over
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July 14
ESPN.com
 
"Sergei Zubov, perhaps the greatest defenseman in Dallas Stars history, appears set to bid adieu to the organization. The Stars are in a state of flux with a new coaching staff and new management team, and that almost certainly means Zubov will be playing elsewhere this fall, ending a 12-year stint with the team, his agent, Jay Grossman, told ESPN.com. "Sergei wants to be in a winning environment no matter where that might be," Grossman said. Zubov played in only 10 games last season because of a chronic hip problem, and had season-ending surgery in January 2009. He has been cleared to play and should be at 100 percent when the 2009-10 season starts, said Grossman, who has known Zubov since ..."
Free agent goalie Jonas Gustavsson picks Toronto over Dallas
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July 8
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Joe Nieuwendyk is finding out why so many general managers have gray hair — or none at all. The former Stars center returned to Dallas like a conquering hero a month ago at the tender age of 42. Just a couple of years removed from playing, he was hand-picked by owner Tom Hicks to be the team's new GM and lead a charge into a new generation of hockey. But after free agent goalie Jonas Gustavsson chose the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Stars on Tuesday, leaving Nieuwendyk to search for a backup goalie, the shine was off the apple for many Stars fans, who littered message boards with doubts about where Nieuwendyk is steering this ship. It's probably foolish to jump to such conclusions this ..."
Dallas Stars await decision by Swedish goaltender
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July 2
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Stars' version of Waiting for Gustavsson entered Act II on Wednesday. While they awaited free agent Swedish goaltender Jonas Gustavsson's decision, three goalies in whom the Stars were interested signed with other teams. "It's a bit frustrating, but we have confidence in the player and we want to see if he picks us," said Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk. [an error occurred while processing this directive] Gustavsson, 24, led his team to the Swedish Elite League championship in the spring and last month visited four NHL teams - Dallas, Toronto, Colorado and San Jose. He was expected to decide by Tuesday. On Wednesday, Craig Anderson signed a two-year deal with Colorado for an ..."
Monster won't decide until after July 1
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June 30
Sportsnet.ca
 
"Jonas Gustavsson, the free-agent goalie from Sweden is going to wait until after July 1 to announce his decision. Gustavsson's agent Joe Resnick told Hockeycentral "It's highly unlikely we'll commit before 12 noon Wednesday. With so many teams potentially making major changes to their rosters, maybe it's best to wait and watch it unfold first." The 24-year-old was Sweden's national goalie at the world hockey championship and is considered the best goalie not playing in the NHL."
Dallas Stars make offers to Fistric, Gagnon
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June 30
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Stars made restricted free agent qualifying offers to defenseman Mark Fistric ($715,000) and center Aaron Gagnon ($522,500) to retain their rights under the collective bargaining agreement of the NHL. The players can sign an offer sheet from another team, but the Stars would maintain the ability to match and would receive compensation if they did not match."
Maple Leafs try to lure Monster between pipes
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June 20
Toronto Star
 
"Free agent goalie Jonas Gustavsson jetted into town yesterday, surrounded, apparently, by a cone of silence. It was all quiet from Gustavsson's agent, Joe Resnick, while the only comment Leafs GM Brian Burke was: "Radio silence." Gustavsson – nicknamed The Monster because of his 6-foot-3 frame – blossomed last season in leading Farjestad to the Swedish Elite League championship to become this off-season's most sought-after undrafted player. The 24-year-old was also Sweden's goalie at the world championship. Toronto was the last stop on his tour of the four NHL teams he's interested in, which included Dallas, San Jose and Colorado."
Stars court free agent Gustavsson
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June 19
Dallas Morning News
 
"Ironically, it was Jonas Gustavsson who made the pitch Thursday. The free agent goalie, who is touring four NHL cities in hopes of selecting a new team for next season, threw out the first pitch at the Texas Rangers game. The Dallas Stars spent the day making their pitch to sign him. Gustavsson and new Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk each lobbed a pitch before the game against Houston. In addition, Gustavsson met former President George W. Bush, in whose name a suite at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington was dedicated. Gustavsson, 24, is an undrafted free agent who led Farjestad to the Swedish Elite League championship this spring. He has decided to move to the NHL next season, and because of his ..."
Stars make pitch to Swedish goalie
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June 18
Dallas Morning News
 
"Jonas Gustavsson will get a bit of the soft sell from the Dallas Stars. The free-agent goalie who is visiting four NHL teams before making a decision where he will play next season, will tour the Stars' facilities today. Much of the work in convincing the 24-year-old from Sweden has already been done, though. "I think our organization really sells itself, and that's pretty much how we've gone about this," said Les Jackson, the Stars director of player development who has been engineering the pursuit of Gustavsson. "What we believe is that the people who have played here and are playing here are our best representatives, and we think that's where Jonas will get his best information." ..."
Heatley still a hot ticket, NHL exec says
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June 15
Ottawa Citizen
 
"At least one National Hockey League executive says Ottawa Senators left-winger Dany Heatley remains an extremely marketable commodity, believing the two-time 50-goal scorer can turn the trick a third time. "He still had some pretty good numbers last season (39 goals and 34 assists), and he played pretty well," said the executive, who agreed Sunday to discuss the options facing Senators general manager Bryan Murray on condition of anonymity. "Logic would tell you that he can perform better if he's happy. If he was unhappy in Ottawa, he might do a lot better somewhere else. He's a major asset. Of course there's the uncertainty of the salary cap going forward (the current team limit of $56.7 ..."
Heatley camp calls its shot
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June 15
Ottawa Citizen
 
"Ordinarily, it would be an easy matter to trade a superstar sniper like Dany Heatley. Slap a "For Sale" sign on him, wait for the bids to roll in, and take the highest offer. It doesn't appear, however, as if Senators general manager Bryan Murray is going to have it this easy. The growing suspicion among league executives and agents contacted by the Citizen is that Heatley's agents have not only given Murray a list of preferred teams, they've also named one or two as their top choices. While there's colossal gall in this -- demanding a trade and then demanding where to go takes a lot of nerve -- there's also obvious self-interest. Who, after all, would want to be sent to the gulag known as ..."
Lidstrom, Datsyuk could return, but Draper's out for Game 5
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May 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said today that Kris Draper won't play Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Wings have a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals. Meanwhile, forward Pavel Datsyuk (foot) and defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom (lower body) are "day-to-day," said Babcock."
Hockey's bonfire of the bankruptcies
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May 12
Toronto Star
 
"While the Phoenix Coyotes turned up the heat on the NHL yesterday, the owner of the Dallas Stars appears to be laying enough kindling and timber to start another bankruptcy bonfire. The Coyotes won a court ruling that will force the NHL to tell all it knows about White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf's mysterious bid to purchase the Coyotes to a Phoenix bankruptcy court judge. The NHL must produce all documents related to Reinsdorf's bid today, ruled judge Redfield Baum. The league has said it was close to announcing Reinsdorf as a white knight who would keep the team in Glendale, Ariz., when Jerry Moyes thrust the Coyotes into bankruptcy. The Moyes camp wants to see how good the offer was."
Modano Coming Back For His 20th NHL Season
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May 11
TSN.ca
 
"Mike Modano made it offical on Monday, announcing he's coming back for his 20th NHL season. The highest-scoring U.S. born player in NHL history made his decision official over the last few weeks, leaning towards a return since the season ended in early April. ''I've made my decision and I'm coming back to play,'' Modano said on the Dallas Stars' website. ''I think everyone eventually knew I was going to come back, but I still wanted to take some time and think about things. Watching everyone else playing in the playoffs helped push me to make the decision. This is the best time of year and we want to get back to playing post-season hockey next season.''"
Burke in pursuit of Swedish goalie
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April 12
Globe and Mail
 
"Brian Burke took a pass on the Toronto Maple Leafs' final game of the 2008-09 season on Saturday night and headed for the decidedly non-NHL city of Copenhagen. The Maple Leafs president and general manager is in pursuit of a Swedish goaltender nicknamed The Monster and planned to meet with him and his agent on Sunday in Copenhagen. The Monster is 24-year-old Jonas Gustavsson, who was the talk of the Swedish Elite League playoffs. The 6-foot-4 Gustavsson registered five shutouts in 13 playoff games to lead Farjestad to the championship with a .961 save percentage. Aftonbladet, a Stockholm newspaper, reported that Gustavsson, who is a free agent, has narrowed his NHL choices to the Leafs and ..."
Hicks says creditors won't get Rangers, Stars after reported default
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April 4
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Hicks Sports Group, which owns the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars, has failed to make an interest payment on $525 million in loans, according to a report Friday morning. A financial website, FINalternatives, cited a source who said Hicks defaulted on a $350 million bank term loan, a $100 million second-lien loan and a $75 million revolving credit facility. Dallas investor Tom Hicks, who runs the professional baseball and hockey teams through Hicks Sports Group, announced earlier this week that he's looking to sell up to 46 percent of his 95 percent stake. In an e-mail Friday morning to the Star-Telegram, he responded to the published report that the teams were in default. "There is no ..."
Stars' Richards hoping for speedy return
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March 15
Dallas Morning News
 
"Brad Richards doesn't want to put a date on his potential return to the Dallas Stars' lineup, but said, "What I'm thinking has nothing to do with eight weeks." Richards suffered a fractured right wrist Feb. 16 and was given a window of six to eight weeks for recovery. An eight-week layoff would extend to April 13, after the regular season's end. The six-week side of recovery is March 30, when seven games will remain in the regular season. "I have an idea in my head of what I want to do and how I want to feel," Richards said. "But I didn't think I would get the cast off as early as I did, and I didn't think I would be out skating as early as I am, so those are good signs." Richards skated ..."
Deadline sellers unlikely to see big returns
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March 4
Toronto Star
 
"More and more, today's trade deadline appears to be a prelude to that which lies ahead. To a significant degree, much of what we'll see today – or don't see today – is the direct result of 30 clubs trying to forecast the future in terms of where the industry is heading and, in particular, where the salary cap may be headed. In fact, there were moves yesterday that were indicators of what teams are thinking. Nicklas Backstrom signed a new contract to be the starting goaltender with the Minnesota Wild, and the salary was significant, an average of $6 million per season."
GMs go down to the wire
Comment
March 4
Toronto Star
 
"Coffee brewed, scouting charts laid out, and lists of wants and needs neatly organized, the general managers of the NHL's 30 teams will meet in boardrooms across North America this morning prior to the trade deadline. Around them will be their confidantes, assistants and scouting directors ready to dial phones, buzz the BlackBerrys, text the messages and e the mail. Reputations will be carved, saviours will be anointed, nerves will be frayed, and regrets – there'll be a few. If things begin as normal, the morning will go slowly from a public perspective: Perhaps a few fourth liners, or fifth defender for some low-round picks as selling GMs try to talk up the price to the buyers. Behind ..."
GM Lawton Expects A Busy Day
Comment
March 4
Tampa Tribune
 
"Lightning general manager Brian Lawton planned to head home at some point Tuesday night, but he didn't plan to get much sleep. Tampa Bay's rookie GM plans to walk back through his office door sometime before sunrise this morning in preparation for today's 3 p.m. trade deadline. Judging from how busy Lawton said his phone has been the past few days, he expects to be active in his first trade deadline experience. "I think we've got the potential to be very active," Lawton said before Tuesday's game. "We had the potential to be active Tuesday but we are tight on our guys, we are not looking to give them away. If people want to make an offer that is going to move our organization forward, then ..."