The Dallas Stars reportedly have agreed to terms with former General Manager Bob Gainey to return to the team as a consultant. Team president and CEO Jim Lites confirmed the agreement to the Dallas Morning News on Wednesday afternoon.

Gainey, who recently ended a similar job with the Montreal Canadiens, is expected to be an important voice for General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk, as well as Lites and others in the organization.

“I think the most important thing I can do in my job is hire good people, and Bob is one of the best persons I know,” Lites told Mike Heika of the Morning News. “He was available, he was very interested in what we’ve been able to accomplish, and I just believe having a voice like that will be extremely beneficial in a lot of ways.”

Gainey, 58, is a five-time Stanley Cup champion as a player with the Canadiens, and he also led the Stars to the only Stanley Cup in franchise history in 1999 as General Manager. He was hired first as a coach by the Minnesota North Stars in 1990 and was named General Manager in 1992. He stepped down as coach of the Stars in 1996 and as General Manager in 2002. He worked with the Canadiens in several roles including General Manager and interim coach from 2006-12.

The Stars are expected to make an announcement soon and will likely have a news conference next week.

“It’s a great opportunity to add a great person, and I think we’re very fortunate to have him,” Lites told the paper.


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