Joe Nieuwendyk and the Offseason: Plans To Fix the Dallas Stars

Going into the 2009 NHL offseason, Stars fans were left with a sense of “what now?” Missing the playoffs is never an easy thing to take, not for fans and most definitely not for the players and management of the Stars organization.  Something needed to change for the Stars to be the perennial contenders they once were. Tom Hicks made the first push for change when he reassigned Les Jackson and Brett Hull and hired former Dallas Star, Joe Nieuwendyk as the General Manager.  Having spent time working under Brian Burke in Toronto, many believe Joe will bring a strong level of grit and determination to the position. Shortly after, Nieuwendyk made his first big move as general manager with the removal of Dave Tippett as head coach and the subsequent hiring of Marc Crawford.  This move marks a monumental shift in “Stars Hockey.” As far back as many can remember, the Stars have always been a solid “defense first” team; however, Crawford prefers offense, ... (link)