Jim Nill's plan is to make the Stars better now without hurting their future, and the Dallas general manager believe he did that Monday in acquiring Calgary defenseman Kris Russell.
While Russel is small (5-10, 175) and left-handed, his experience and calm hand should indeed help the Stars erratic defensive play. The question is whether or not the team's future is in any more peril than it was Monday morning.
In sending away young defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka, high-scoring junior prospect Brett Pollock and a conditional second round draft pick (that can turn into a first if the Stars make the Western Conference finals), Nill paid a high price.