Stars' Nill patient heading into trade deadline: report

Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill isn't in a hurry to do much as the clock ticks toward the NHL Trade Deadline, which is 3 p.m. ET on March 2.

The Stars enter the week five points behind the Calgary Flames for the second Western Conference wild-card spot into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"If it looks like we're out of it in two weeks, we're probably looking to move [unrestricted free agents]," Nill told ESPN.com.

But if the Stars are still in contention? "Probably nothing [ahead of the deadline]," he said.

The top player among the Stars' impending unrestricted free agents is forward Erik Cole, who has 14 goals and 25 points in 48 games. The 36-year-old is on pace to have his most productive season since he had 35 goals with the Montreal Canadiens in 2011-12.

Another veteran forward heading toward free agency that could interest teams is Shawn Horcoff. The 36-year-old has seven goals and 19 points in 49 games. He also had six points in six Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Stars last season, and has 29 points in 41 career postseason games.

The Stars' other pending unrestricted free agents are forward Patrick Eaves, defenseman David Schlemko and goaltender Anders Lindback.