The Stars have been negotiating a contract extension with gritty forward Steve Ott, but if a deal isn't in place by next week, the team could trade him, reports the Dallas Morning News.
Ott, 27, is in the final year of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk acknowledged his interest in getting Ott locked up to a new deal, though it's uncertain if the two sides can agree on the dollar amount.
"I have talked to Steve, and I will talk to him during the break," Nieuwendyk told the Morning News. "I'm not going to get into what we're talking about, but I do believe it is important."
Ott, who has 11 goals and 12 assists so far this season, is making $1.425 million this season. It's believed he's looking for upwards of $3 million per year on a new deal.
"I've said all along that my first priority is to get him signed," Nieuwendyk said. "But if we can't, I've got to look at these (trade) offers. There's a number of teams who have called and are interested."
Files from:
Dallas Morning News
