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Ex-Stars GM's candid comments on the Dallas Stars spark debate

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Vince Hull | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 5:44 PM ET

Former Dallas Stars GM Doug Armstrong praises Jim Nill and admits the Stars remain one of the toughest teams for the St. Louis Blues to compete against in the NHL today.

Asked how he views the Stars now and how much of a challenge they present when constructing his own team in St. Louis, Armstrong didn't hesitate to give credit where it was due.

"I look at my time in St. Louis and Dallas have been a competitive team for a long time," Armstrong said. "Your job is to get to the dance as many times as you can and sometimes you get to dance with the prom queen. They have been close many, many times. I wouldn't reinvent the wheel. They have a top-level GM in Jim Nill, obviously. They got a new coach in there now. But ultimately, they have stars and they are as good as anyone else."

Here is the full clip :

Doug Armstrong's respect for Jim Nill and the current Dallas Stars

It's not often that a rival executive openly praises another organization, especially one that could stand in his way in the Central Division. But Armstrong, who served in Dallas's front office for nearly two decades before taking over in St. Louis, has a unique appreciation for the culture that has been built under Nill's leadership.

His comments highlight what many in the NHL already know, the Stars have become one of the most consistent franchises in recent years.

With cornerstone players like Jason Robertson, Jake Oettinger, and Miro Heiskanen, Dallas has been a fixture in the Western Conference Finals, even if they have yet to bring home another Stanley Cup.

Armstrong's choice of words also reflects the thin line between coming close and actually winning it all. His reference to "dancing with the prom queen" underscores the idea that playoff success often comes down to timing, luck, and the right mix of talent.

For Dallas fans, hearing a respected rival like Armstrong acknowledge their team's strength is another reminder of just how far the franchise has come under Nill. It also reinforces the perception that the Stars remain one of the toughest teams to game-plan against heading into 2025-26.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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