GM Nill: Stars would trade 3rd overall pick for 'established player'

The Dallas Stars are looking to invest in the present.

After moving up in the NHL draft lottery to secure the third overall pick, general manager Jim Nill isn't set on using it.

"I have talked to other teams already about possibly moving that pick, getting an established player back," Nill told SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, per Sean Shapiro of Wrong Side of the Red Line.

"It gives us lot of options. I think this will heat up more as we go."

There's likely two factors at work that could point the Stars to make such a move.

For one, this year's draft class is highlighted by forwards Nolan Patrick and Nico Hischier, and the field opens way up beginning with the third selection.

"There's probably a group of another 10 players, and that's when it comes down to team's personal preference," Nill said. "Are you looking for a big strong centerman? Are you looking for a scoring winger? Are you looking for a power forward? There is lot of different options there."

On top of that, Dallas owns an additional, yet-to-be determined first-round pick courtesy of the Ducks. This selection comes by way of the Patrick Eaves trade, which included the condition sealed by the Ducks advancing to the Western Conference Final and Eaves playing in 50 percent of the games in the first two rounds, according to Cap Friendly.

The Stars' earlier acquisition of Ben Bishop signals the team is looking to move way up the standings as early as next season, meaning it may indeed be prudent to move a high pick for more immediate help.

The first round of the NHL draft is set for June 23 in Chicago.