Win And You're...Out?

<<Sept 2015>>

In a mostly unprecedented move, the Dallas Stars, coming off the Stanley Cup championship in year one of the Elite Hockey Experience, overhauled the front office staff bringing a new General Manager in Bob McGugan.

McGugan, who’s been out of hockey for a few years, brings a “draft and develop” philosophy with him to the helm of the Dallas Stars. He has been unavailable for comment as he was pressed into immediate action with the RFA deadline mere hours after his hiring, and the UFA silly season beginning one day later. The Stars GM made himself available for a few questions in his way into the rink Monday morning:

Q – “Bob…you’ve had a few days now on the job, how did you find it being thrust into the RFA process?”

A –“ It was ok to be honest. There were some pretty easy decisions as far as I saw. Of our RFAs, Mike Stone was the only player that fit into the future that I envision for the club. He’s only 25, but I think this will be a big year for his development. We also did our due diligence and looked at the leagues other RFAs, and while there were some interesting names out there, none worth the assets it would take to try and get one through this process.”

Q – “You stepped right in and dealt a big name in Nazim Kadri only days into your tenure here – what was your thinking there and how did the deal come about?”

A – “As far as how it came about, a few GMs were quick to welcome me and ask about the availability of some of our bigger names. Trying to be prompt in replies, I let most everyone that asked know that I was taking some time to get acclimatized to the club, but always welcome offers. Rob (Boston GM) was one of two GMs that made me a concrete offer. Being new to the league, it’ll take a while to gauge the temperature here as it relates to player value. It’s always easy when starting out to deal from a concrete offer than being asked to provide one. It took a few back and forths but the conversation moved along very well and we came to an agreement that suited both clubs.

I’m not entirely convinced that Kadri has much of an upward progression – he may have reached his potential and with Jori Lehtera’s development Kadri became more expendable. Coyle’s already developing well and I think his ceiling is still fairly high. Tommy Novak has a chance to become a special player and Joel Armia, with some time, might develop into a strong winger.

The other factor in the deal was salary – we were sneaking up on the cap, and we make some salary room on this deal. I do wish Kadri all the best in his career going forward.

Q – Will you be active in the unrestricted free agent market?

A – We don’t have grand needs on the roster this year, but of course I’ve poured through the names available and will be involved if there is something there in a talent/cost ratio that works for the Dallas Stars. That’s all the time I have for you today – have a great day!

With that McGugan left the scrum and headed into the rink.