DALLAS -- The Dallas Stars are almost finished rebuilding
their offense and Brett Hull is no longer part of their plans.
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Hull signed with Dallas as a free agent three years ago and
lived up to his big contract. The Stars won the Stanley Cup his
first season, returned to the finals his second season and he led
the team in goals this past season, when they were ousted in the
second round of the playoffs.
Hull, who turns 37 in August, had hoped to remain in Dallas for
at least two more seasons, but the Stars offered the right wing
only a one-year deal.
"In our opinion, Brett's 39 goals last season substantiated his
belief that a request for only two years was reasonable," agent
Michael Barnett said. "Surprisingly, it became a deal-breaker. The
actual economics of the contract were never discussed."
The Stars moved swiftly in other directions, spending roughly
$16 million on significant roster changes.
The newcomers include free agents Pierre Turgeon and Donald
Audette. Dallas also has agreed to sign Valeri Kamensky, contingent
upon his clearing waivers from the New York Rangers.
The Stars also traded for defenseman Jyrki Lumme, signed
defensive-minded forward Rob DiMaio and re-signed center Kirk
Muller.
Dallas doesn't appear likely to re-sign another key veteran,
Mike Keane. The contract holdup with him is a no-trade clause.
Hull scored 95 of his 649 career goals with the Stars. He also
scored 21 playoff goals, including the 1999 Cup-winning goal
against Buffalo with his skate in the crease.
"The record of our team through the three seasons he was here
and his own production through it, it all meshed together in a way
we had hoped for," Stars general manager Bob Gainey said. "The relationship has been a very
valuable one for the team. I think it's been a good relationship
for Brett.
"As relationships start, relationships come to a close. That's
where we feel we are. I know he's got more things to do in his
career. We'll certainly be watching and wishing him well."
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