It may be a very good thing that Joe Nieuwendyk is not emphasizing free agency in his plans to return the Stars to elite status. Nieuwendyk might not have the flexibility, even if he wanted to go aggressively into the marketplace. Owner Tom Hicks indicated that while he has not yet set a payroll target for next season, the Stars are unlikely to approach the salary cap, a change from past years.

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/104852