Dallas Stars Trade Rumors: GM Jim Nill Not Interested in Rentals

Feb 23, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Dallas wins 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Dallas wins 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Stars Trade Rumors: GM Jim Nill is Not Interested in Short-Term Options

Dallas Stars trade rumors were put to rest on Tuesday when GM Jim Nill spoke to media and fans.

Jim Nill via NHL.com,

“We’re in a good spot,” Nill told a gathering of Stars season ticket holders. “We don’t have to do something. If there’s something there we’ll do it if it makes us better. But I’m not going to give up something for a short-term fix for a month and go from there. It’s not worth it.”

The Stars GM is not interested in sacrificing prospects, and as NHL.com says, “Nill said he’s happy with his team and isn’t looking to make a trade just for the sake of staying busy before the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 29“.

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He’s not wrong. The Dallas Stars have a number of promising prospects: Devin Shore, Brendan Ranford, Travis Morin, Jason Dickinson, Brett Ritchie (NHL Ready), Denis Gurianov, Julius Honka, Stephen Johns, Radek Faksa (with the big club this year), Roope Hintz, Remi Elie, and Brett Pollock, among several others.

Dallas recently re-claimed top spot in the Central Division, and lead the Western Conference at 38-17-6 (82 points) after 61 games played. This roster has proven it can compete with the NHL’s best.

Related Story: NHL Trade Deadline: 25 Hypothetical Deals

via NHL.com,

Nill also said he was hesitant to disrupt the chemistry in the locker room. He said he had lunch recently with captain Jamie Benn, who called the locker room the best one he’s been in during his NHL career.

“These guys have battled all year,” Nill said. “You bring somebody in, that means somebody else is sitting out. You have to be careful of that. If there’s a hockey trade there, we’re open to that. But we’re excited where we’re at.”

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So we know the chance of Dallas adding an impact piece over the next five days is highly unlikely. Nill did say if there’s something there to make his team better, that he’d do it. When everyone around you is adding last-minute pieces for the stretch run, you’re almost obligated to make some type of upgrade, no?

The Washington Capitals are running away with the Presidents Trophy, and even they realized the need to add depth (Mike Weber). If Jim Nill does nothing at the trade deadline, and meets an early exit in the playoffs – this event will be highly criticized.

There’s room for depth at every position. Whether the Stars target forwards or defense, two or three minor additions are necessary. Given Nill’s comments, the target will be high character players. We also know he isn’t targeting short-term options, in other words – rentals.

Next: Dallas Stars Defense Not Playoff Ready

Who should Jim Nill be targeting before February 29th? Can the Stars make a deep playoff run without being active over the next five days? Is this team good enough defensively to win 16 games in the postseason? Let us know what you think.