Aug 28, 2008 - 11:40 AM
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Barnes played the last four seasons of his 16-year career with the Stars after Dallas traded for the center on March 10, 2003.
The 37-year-old recorded 261 goals and 336 assists in 1,136 games with five different franchises. He also had 30 goals and 32 assists in 116 career postseason contests.
"I was truly fortunate to play as long as I did, and I knew this was the time for me to wrap up my playing days," Barnes said. "A great opportunity to become an assistant coach was presented to me by the Stars, and I look forward to making that transition and learning a new part of the game."
The 5-11, 182-pound center was selected with the fourth overall pick of the 1989 NHL draft by the Winnipeg Jets where he spent the first three seasons of his career. After a three-plus year stint with the Florida Panthers, which included a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996, Barnes joined the Pittsburgh Penguins and notched a career-high 30 goals and 35 assists during the 1997-98 campaign.
Barnes also played for the Buffalo Sabres for four-plus seasons and reached another Stanley Cup Final in 1999.
"Stu was a consummate professional on and off the ice throughout his career, and was the type of player who always exhibited the qualities you would associate with a future coach," Stars co-general manager Les Jackson said. "Stu will be an excellent addition to our staff, which we feel is among the best in the league."
The Stars also gave associate coach Rick Wilson and assistant coach Mark Lamb each two-year contract extensions on Thursday. Each coach has been with the team for the past five seasons.
