The Vancouver Canucks were interested in the agitator, but offering forward Mason Raymond wasn't good enough for the Stars.
The Stars were not going to sell off Ott for picks or prospects as they wanted a hockey deal that made them a better team, possibly a young top-six forward in return who would have upgraded their skill.
Nieuwendyk also decided to hold on to veteran Souray, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
"I would say there were a couple of things on the table that took a lot of time to sort through,'' Nieuwendyk said. "But at the end of the day, we had a responsibility to put the best team on the ice right now to challenge for the playoffs and we didn't want to risk moving anything that would not help us as far as the return moving into the future."
By remaining passive at the deadline, Nieuwendyk has clearly stated to his team that he believe in their chances to make it to the post-season.
"There's no doubt that I'm pleased with the way we've been playing lately and I know we have a tough road ahead, but I think it's also a message to this team that we do believe in them and that this group has shown some resiliency," Nieuwendyk said.
More Trade Deadline Info
List of Trades
| No-Trade/No-Movement Clauses
| Top 25 Available Players
| Team-by-Team Cap Info
