Stars GM Nill: Adding depth at center is a 'priority'

The Dallas Stars will be looking to shore up the center position during the offseason, according to general manager Jim Nill.

“It’s a priority for us,” he told the Dallas News. “I think if you want to be a contender, you have to be deep down the middle. That’s something we’ve talked about over and over again.”

Nill made a big impact in his first year on the job, adding a talented young center in Tyler Seguin, who went on to finish fourth in league scoring. The Stars have a couple of prospects on the horizon (namely Devin Shore and Jason Dickinson), but Dallas will be looking to find the right balance of cost (contract-wise or in a potential trade), age and skill level to fill the second line center spot for 2014-15.

“You have to do a lot of juggling, and you have to find the right fit,” Nill said. “That’s being prepared to move, and also being patient enough to find the right situation. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

Seguin led the team in scoring with 84 points, but there was a significant drop off in terms of scoring from Stars' centers, with Cody Eakin (35 points), Rich Peverley (30) and Vernon Fiddler (23) rounding out the top four.

Colorado's Paul Stastny is the most notable free agent center, with the likes of Ottawa's Jason Spezza or Vancouver's Ryan Kesler possibly available via trade.