Hull out, Nieuwendyk in

The Dallas Stars finally figured out that Brett Hull, one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of the league, is not a good GM, especially if he doesn't even have full power over the team (he and Les Jackson were co-GMs). His signing of Sean Avery wasn't as bad as everyone says, but it appears that he was not objective when he brought the controversial winger to Dallas. Avery was Hull's roommate with the Red Wings - he later admitted that his behavior was based on Hull's. The Stars GM appeared to see a bit of himself in Avery and gave him a second chance

It turned out badly, because Avery wasn't Hull - he is vocal, but not about his own greatness. Avery attacked opponents directly, while Hull tried to show his ego. Hull also had the numbers to back his comments up - even when he said that he was the smartest in the game, people thought about his 86-goal season and thought "maybe he's on to something". Failing to spot this difference lead to the Avery fiasco and to he's firing.

Is Nieuwendyk better? He was always a better leader than Hull, he also didn't make any controversial comments. Nevertheless he seems like Hull 2.0 - he has little managerial experience and is not far removed from his playing days (Hull retired in 2005/06 after the Phoenix fiasco, Nieuwendyk a year later). He might have the same problems as Hull - inexperience and personal relationships with many current players. It would be perfectly understandable if the Stars replaced Hull with someone experienced, who has held a front office position for a longer time (Ron Hextall?). Adding Nieuwendyk seems to be a good move, if only because he will be a real one-man GM, but expecting a big improvement in the way the Stars are run seems a bit too optimistic.