In acquiring Russell, Nill paid a high price. The Stars gave up young defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka, high-scoring junior prospect Brett Pollock and a conditional second-round draft pick that could turn into a first if the Stars make the Western Conference finals and Russell dresses for half their playoff games.

Even though the Stars have plenty of young defensemen and a bevy of scoring forwards, the question has to be asked whether acquiring Russell was the best way to spend those assets.

-Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News where you can read more on the Kris Russell trade.