Stars GM Nill gets 5-year contract extension

FRISCO, Texas (AP) The Western Conference-leading Dallas Stars have given general manager Jim Nill a five-year contract extension.

Nill is only halfway through the initial five-year deal he got when he became the Stars GM in April 2013. The extension announced Friday goes through the 2022-23 season.

Stars owner Tom Gaglardi says Nill has helped instill a culture of excellence within the organization.

Dallas had missed the playoffs five years in a row before Nill became general manager and hired Lindy Ruff as coach. The Stars made the playoffs in 2013-14, and had more points the next season while missing the postseason.

The Stars are 29-10 with four overtime losses this season. It is the best start in franchise history, leading the West with 62 points.