Nieuwendyk To Stars

Joe Nieuwendyk, whose contract dispute with the Calgary Flames played a major role in general manager Doug Risebrough’s firing last month, was traded to the Dallas Stars and agreed to a five-year contract.

The Flames acquired center Corey Millen and the rights to junior right wing Jarome Iginla in the deal that just beat the midnight deadline for a 10-day no-trade period through the Christmas holidays.

Kirk Muller has decided not to report to the New York Islanders and will not be paid again during his absence.

The Islanders have been paying Muller since they sent him home Nov. 12 while they tried to work out a trade.

Muller, who said he was unhappy playing with the Islanders, will stay at Kingston, Ontario, where he plans to work out with the major junior team there until traded.