Developing story: Momentum is building toward Joe Pavelski returning to Dallas.

A few weeks after comparisons to Joe Thornton's new role in San Jose, talk is heating up about Joe Pavelski joining the Dallas Stars' front office or development team.

Joe Pavelski might not be done influencing the Dallas Stars just yet.

Even if he's officially retired, his next move might already be in motion.

The DLLS Stars Podcast first raised the idea a few weeks ago, saying Pavelski could follow the path of Joe Thornton, who was recently hired by the San Jose Sharks as a player development coach and hockey ops advisor.

Thornton's title isn't flashy, but his role is clear: be present, share wisdom, and mentor younger players.

The DLLS hosts pointed out that Pavelski could thrive in a similar job, especially given the Stars' youth movement.

"The roles are meaningless, but it just means that they are around the team, they can help the players," one host said.

And now the conversation is gaining steam.

Joe Pavelski could follow Joe Thornton's path and help guide the next wave of Dallas Stars talent

In the latest episode of the same podcast, analyst Ted Ramey added more fuel to the fire.

"If he does end up with Dallas and hockey ops, I wouldn't blame him because that's a great place to live," Ramey said. "But I'm sure there are some people in San Jose that would try and poach him. Everybody respects Pavelski so much. Everybody loves Pavs."