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Dallas Stars Trades by Nill: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly

By Allison Scott

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After Joe Nieuwendyk’s reign as Dallas Stars General Manager came to an end in 2013, the organization signed then Red Wings Assistant GM Jim Nill and he wasted no time before making big moves. Since the 2013 off-season Nill has been the mastermind behind the Dallas Stars’ roster and coaching staff, as well as being a big contributor to their return to the playoffs at the end of his first season.

Today we’re going to take a look back on the past two years of Nill being Dallas’ GM and discuss some of the massive moves he’s made.

Boston Bruins: Loui Eriksson and Reilly Smith for Tyler Seguin and Rich Peverley

When you think of big acquisitions the Stars have made over the last few years this trade is without a doubt the standout. Independence day 2013 forever changed the Dallas Stars as Jim Nill pulled off the blockbuster trade of the off-season. Second-overall draft pick from 2010 Tyler Seguin as well as Rich Peverley came to Dallas in exchange for forwards Loui Eriksson, Reilly Smith, and two prospects.

Seguin has flourished as a part of the Stars organization and has reached personal season records for his offensive production. Last season he scored seventy-seven points (37G, 40A) in seventy-one games bringing his Dallas Stars total to 161 points in only 151 games played.

All in all this trade is the one that comes to mind when thinking about Nill’s moves. It worked out in Dallas’ favor largely because of the natural chemistry between Seguin and Stars Captain Jamie Benn; however, this exchange started off Nill’s tenure in Dallas and has the potential to be one of the best trades in recent history if Seguin’s production remains consistent.

Ottawa Senators: Alex Chiasson for Jason Spezza

Less than a year after being named captain of the Senators Jason Spezza was granted a trade to Dallas that saw Alex Chiasson, two prospects, and a second-round pick in this years draft head to Ottawa. Spezza then signed an extension with the Stars that will keep him in victory green until the end of the 2018-2019 season.

During his first season Spezza didn’t find his usual point-per-game success that he had in the first dozen years of his NHL career; however, his confidence and production grew as time went on. He ended the season with sixty-two points (17G, 45A) in eighty-two games for the Stars. The expectation of a lot of Stars fans is that Spezza will be a more comfortable, more offensively productive second line center in seasons to come.

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San Jose Sharks: Brenden Dillon for Jason Demers

On November 21st, 2014 Nill executed a trade that sent defenseman Brenden Dillon to San Jose in exchange for fellow defenseman Jason Demers and a third-round pick. Demers played the rest of the season for Dallas in which he found success being partnered with a multitude of Stars defenseman. In sixty-one games with the Stars Demers averaged 19:07 of ice time, and scored twenty-two points (5G, 17A).

Edmonton Oilers: Philip Larsen for Shawn Horcoff

Nill traded for another Canadian team’s captain when Dallas got Shawn Horcoff for defenseman Philip Larsen and a seventh-round pick in 2016 from the Edmonton Oilers. Horcoff has helped out young Dallas forwards Brett Ritchie and Curtis McKenzie and he’s been having discussions with the Stars about his future. It remains to be seen if he will be playing for Dallas come next season, or if he will find a new home through free agency. Read more about Horcoff’s future here.

Buffalo Sabres: Anders Lindback for Jhonas Enroth

Then in February of this year Nill traded Dallas’ back-up goalie Anders Lindback to the Sabres in exchange for their back up, Jhonas Enroth. Although at first he struggled to get wins, Enroth ended the season on a four-game winning streak. Despite his late season success with the Stars, it looks likely that he will test free agency in hopes of earning more playing time with another team. Read more about Enroth’s future and who Dallas might want instead here.

In two seasons Jim Nill has already made a mark on the Dallas Stars that will be very noticeable for years to come. The only question now is what moves will he make next?

Leave your predictions for who Nill will trade for this off-season in the comments and be sure to check out why it should be Brent Seabrook here. As always, thanks for reading!

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