The subtle signs Jim Nill’s dominant era in Dallas is quietly winding down
After a record-breaking streak, a first-round exit and Jim Nill's snub from an award nomination signal a shifting landscape for the Dallas Stars front office.
The subtle signs Jim Nill’s dominant era in Dallas is quietly winding down originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . For three straight seasons, Jim Nill was the best executive in hockey, at least according to his peers.
Dallas Stars General Manager has won the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award three times. He achieved this in three consecutive seasons: 2022–23, 2023–24, and 2024–25, making him the first three-time recipient and the first to win in three consecutive years. Plus, the team also made the Western Conference Final each of those three years.
It seemed like they were locked in at the top of the league's food chain. But this season, they lost that grip a bit early. Nill will not be winning the Jim Gregory Award for a fourth straight season.
This year’s finalists are Bill Guerin of the Minnesota Wild , Chris MacFarland of the Colorado Avalanche , and Pat Verbeek of the Anaheim Ducks . Finalists for 2026 Jim Gregory GM of the Year Award, as voted by their peers as well as league executives and selected media following Round 1: Bill Guerin (MIN), Chris MacFarland (COL) and Pat Verbeek (ANA). pic.