Stu Barnes retires, joins Stars coaching staff Frisco, TX (Sports Network) - Stu Barnes, a 16-year veteran who spent the last
four seasons with the Dallas Stars, announced his retirement on Thursday. He
will remain with the club, however, signing a two-year contract as an
assistant coach.
"We congratulate Stu on an outstanding playing career and we are very excited
that he will now join our coaching staff," said Stars co-general manager Les
Jackson. "Stu was a consummate professional on and off the ice throughout his
career, and was the type of player who always exhibited the qualities you
would associate with a... More...
Stephane Robidas took on a greater role in the Stars offense last year when Sergei Zubov was injured, and he hopes to repeat his solid work in the coming season, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View:Zubov is expected to return to the number on defense pairing with Robidas sliding into the second pairing with Nicklas Grossman. He will likely also continue to receive power-play time as Philippe Boucher has fallen behind Robidas in importance.
The Kings covet a veteran defenseman and contacted Mattias Norstrom about the possibility of returning, but he turned them down, according to the LA Daily News.
Our View:Norstrom is finished and is pleased with the way his career ended in Dallas. He is preparing for life after hockey, and the Kings must continue their search for a veteran blue-liner.
