FRISCO, Tex. – Dallas Stars centre Stu Barnes has retired following a 16-year career, and has signed a two-year contract to join the Stars' coaching staff as an assistant coach.
"We congratulate Stu on an outstanding playing career and we are very excited that he will now join our coaching staff," said Co-General Manager Les Jackson. “Stu was a consummate professional on and off the ice throughout his career, and was the type of player who always exhibited the qualities you would associate with a future coach. Stu will be an excellent addition to our staff, which we feel is among the best in the league."
"I was truly fortunate to play as long as I did, and I knew this was the time for me to wrap up my playing days," said Barnes. "A great opportunity to become an assistant coach was presented to me by the Stars, and I look forward to making that transition and learning a new part of the game."
Barnes, 37, collected 597 career NHL points in 1,136 NHL games with the Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres and Dallas Stars. He also skated in 116 career Stanley Cup Playoff games over 12 postseasons, notching 62 points and reaching the Cup Final twice.
The native of Spruce Grove, Alta., was originally selected by Winnipeg in the first round, fourth overall of the 1989 Entry Draft.
In addition, the Stars have announced two-year contract extensions for Associate Coach Rick Wilson and Assistant Coach Mark Lamb, whose contracts were set to expire after the 2008-09 season and will now reach through 2010-11.