Hiring Pete DeBoer kicks off busy offseason for Stars GM Jim Nill

The Stars had some timing that'd be considered traditionally awkward in their recent coaching search, as GM Jim Nill is entering the final year of his contract while new coach Peter DeBoer is getting a four-year deal.

To make sure there's symmetry in the group, Nill is in negotiations with owner Tom Gaglardi and his family to extend his deal and get on a similar timeline to DeBoer.
"I'm working with Tom on that right now," Nill said on Wednesday. "My job is to worry about today. We're sitting here today hiring a coach and to worry about the franchise in the future. I'm working on a succession plan that's three, four, five, six years down the road. That's what I'm working on. I'm part of that. I'll be the GM here for a few more years. That's what we're working on right now. I've had discussions."

DeBoer, who had options to join other teams and had several discussions with the Stars before accepting the job, said he's excited to be working with Nill.
"Jim's a huge piece of why I'm here," DeBoer said. "In my interview process and talking to Tom, that was one of the assurances I got from Tom that Jim would be a part of this while I'm here. For me, it's about working with good people, everyone pulling in the same direction."
DeBoer added that he believes he's walking into a great situation.
"When you step outside of this organization and you get a perspective from outside and you look at the drafting and the young talent coming and the blend of veterans and young guys, the future of this organization is really bright," DeBoer said. "That's a big part of Jim and what he does. That was a big piece for me."

Much work to do

Nill said the hiring is just the start of a busy stretch for the front office. The team must prepare for the NHL Draft and free agency and continues to work on contract negotiations for pending free agents.
Nill said Alexander Radulov is expected to sign in the KHL, ending his five-year run with the Stars, and said that while the team has made an offer to Michael Raffl, they haven't heard back. Radulov had a salary cap hit of $6.25 million and Raffl $1.1 million, so that space will become available. However, both Jason Robertson ($894,167) and Jake Oettinger ($925,000) are expected to get big raises as restricted free agents which will take up a good deal of cap space.
In addition, the Stars might need to clear space if they want to be involved in talks with unrestricted free agents.
"The cap comes into play with a lot of things," Nill said. "We're juggling things. Can you move some money to create money? What's out in the market? I think there's going to be a lot of movement in the market this year."
The Stars also continue discussions with potential UFA John Klingberg, who'd likely get a significant raise from the $4.25 million cap hit he had last season and would likely require a lengthy extension.
Anton Khudobin missed much of last season with injury. He has one year left on his deal at $3.3 million, and Nill said he expects Khudobin to be back in Texas in July to work on rehab.
"The doctors say he should be ready," Nill said when asked about next season. "He should be back here in July to start skating again, but right now he should be close to ready for] training camp."
**[Video: Nill gives update on offseason, contract negotiations**

Bishop's future

Because he has a year remaining on his contract, goalie Ben Bishop won't officially retire, but he's ended his playing days and is looking toward a new chapter, Nill said. Bishop's
rights were traded to Buffalo for salary cap purposes
, but Bishop would like to pursue a possible role in the Stars organization.
"I've talked to Ben and talked to Buffalo," Nill said. "He'd like to get into some type of management position, so we're having discussions right now. He's got a great resume, he's a well-spoken man, he's got a passion for the game. He'd like to continue to be in the game, so we're having discussions with him about different positions to start to get his feet wet."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.