Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill has achieved a historic milestone by being awarded the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award for the 2024-25 season during the NHL draft on Friday. This marks the third consecutive year that Nill has earned this prestigious honor, making him the first person to win the award three times. Previously, he, along with Lou Lamoriello, had the distinction of winning it twice.
Nill was recognized after receiving 139 points in the voting, significantly outpacing his competitors, Bill Zito of the Florida Panthers with 102 points, and Kevin Cheveldayoff of the Winnipeg Jets, who garnered 52 points. His impressive score included 17 first-place votes, 17 second-place votes, and three third-place votes.
Since taking the helm in Dallas in 2013, Nill has not only become the longest-tenured GM in the Stars’ history but has also built a formidable roster that has seen the team reach the Western Conference finals for three straight seasons. One of his key roster moves this season was the major trade with the Carolina Hurricanes for forward Mikko Rantanen, alongside securing long-term contracts for both Rantanen and Wyatt Johnston. Nill also bolstered the team’s lineup by acquiring Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci from the San Jose Sharks in February.
In anticipation of the upcoming NHL free agency, Nill has been proactive in re-signing key players such as captain Jamie Benn and veteran forward Matt Duchene. Additionally, he traded forward Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken as part of his ongoing efforts to refine the roster.
The Stars are currently in search of a new head coach following the departure of Pete DeBoer, with former head coach Glen Gulutzan among those interviewed for the position.
Nill’s achievements not only reflect his strategic acumen but also the stability and success he has brought to the Stars franchise, evoking a sense of optimism for the team’s future.