Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill Signs 2-Year Contract Extension

Nill has led the team to the conference final in each of the past 3 seasons.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:08pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in blues, reds, and silvers, depicting the motion and energy of a hockey game through overlapping, angular shapes and planes.The Dallas Stars' sustained success under GM Jim Nill's leadership is reflected in this cubist, deconstructed visualization of the team's dynamic on-ice play.Dallas Today

The Dallas Stars have signed general manager Jim Nill to a 2-year contract extension, keeping him with the organization through the 2028 season. Nill has been the Stars' GM since 2013 and has guided the team to the Western Conference Final in each of the past 3 seasons, earning the NHL General Manager of the Year award in each of those years.

Why it matters

Nill's steady leadership and shrewd roster moves have been crucial to the Stars' sustained success over the past several seasons. Retaining him provides continuity and stability for the franchise as they look to build on their recent playoff runs and compete for the Stanley Cup.

The details

Under Nill's guidance, the Stars have become one of the NHL's top teams, making the playoffs in 5 of the last 7 seasons and reaching the conference final 3 times. He has assembled a talented roster through trades, free agent signings, and the draft, including the acquisitions of stars like Joe Pavelski, Miro Heiskanen, and Jason Robertson.

  • Nill was first hired as the Stars' GM in April 2013.
  • The Stars have reached the Western Conference Final in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 postseasons.

The players

Jim Nill

The general manager of the Dallas Stars since 2013, guiding the team to sustained success and multiple deep playoff runs.

Joe Pavelski

A veteran forward acquired by Nill who has been a key contributor to the Stars' recent playoff teams.

Miro Heiskanen

A young defenseman drafted and developed by Nill who has emerged as a star player for the Stars.

Jason Robertson

A talented young forward signed by Nill who has blossomed into one of the NHL's top scorers.

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What they’re saying

“Jim Nill has been the driving force behind the Stars' rise to become one of the NHL's elite teams. His ability to build a roster and develop young talent is second to none.”

— Ken Hitchcock, Former Stars Head Coach

“I'm thrilled to continue working with Jim and this organization. We have unfinished business, and I'm confident that with his leadership, we can bring a Stanley Cup to Dallas.”

— Jamie Benn, Stars Captain

What’s next

The Stars will look to build on their recent playoff success and make another deep run in the 2026-27 season, with Nill continuing to shape the roster and guide the franchise's long-term vision.

The takeaway

Jim Nill's contract extension solidifies his position as one of the NHL's top general managers, ensuring the Stars will maintain their status as a perennial contender in the Western Conference for years to come.