Dallas Stars acquire Ladislav Nagy from Phoenix for Tjarnqvist, draft pick

DALLAS (CP) - The Dallas Stars hope Ladislav Nagy can help put them over the top.

Dallas acquired the speedy winger on Monday from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for a first-round draft pick and forward Mathias Tjarnqvist. "Ladislav brings speed and skill to our hockey club and has proven to be a top-six NHL forward over his career," said Stars GM Doug Armstrong. "We look for him to come in and make an immediate impact on our roster."

Nagy is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He became expendable after Coyotes GM Mike Barnett was unable to sign him to a long-term deal. He's earning US$3 million this season.

The push is on for the Stars, who are currently sixth in the Western Conference but trail Anaheim by just four points for first place in the Pacific Division.

Nagy had 41 points (eight goals, 33 assists) in 55 games for the Coyotes this season. He spent six seasons with the Coyotes, racking up 249 points in 321 games.

Tjarnqvist is more of a role player. He had four points in 18 games for Dallas this year and has 12 points in 69 career NHL games. The 27-year-old is earning the league's minimum salary of $450,000.
Phoenix now has two first-round selections at the upcoming entry draft in Columbus.