Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill is well-aware of what Jiri Hudler can bring to an NHL club.
Related: Stars sign Hudler to 1-year, $2M deal
Nill was part of the Red Wings brain trust that drafted the forward back in 2002, and watched as Hudler appeared in 83 playoff games for Detroit, winning a Stanley Cup in 2008 and returning to the finals in 2009.
"I've known (Hudler) for 17 years," Nill said Wednesday, according to the Stars' website. "He's got a winning pedigree. He's been in the playoffs, won a Stanley Cup, played at the World Championship. He's got that pedigree. It just shows we are committed to taking that next step to be a winning team."
Hudler's a left-handed shot who can play right wing, and Nill sees him contributing in all situations.
"He can play anywhere. I project him as a top six. With our lineup, we are a top nine, top 12 some nights," said Nill. "His hockey IQ is as good as anybody in the game. I think when you look at him possibly being on our power play with the other skill guys we have, it is just another dangerous person for us as a weapon."
The Stars were already the NHL's most potent squad, leading the league with 267 goals last season. Whether they can keep the puck out of their own net enough to make a deep playoff run remains to be seen.
At any rate, Nill certainly sees the addition of Hudler as nothing but helpful, and he'd know better than almost anyone.
