By Jason Danby

A veteran of 15 years in the NHL, defenseman Mattias Norstrom joins the Dallas Stars as the team heads towards the playoffs. The former team captain of the Los Angeles Kings adds a powerful defensive presence to the Stars' already impressive defensive core.

Recently, DallasStars.com had the opportunity to talk with Norstrom about the trade that brought him to Dallas, his role, and his thoughts on Dallas' playoff opportunity.

DallasStars.com: The trade occurred minutes before the deadline. Was the trade a surprise to you? Did you have any prior indication that you would be traded?

Norstrom: "I had a talk earlier that day about the probability of my being traded. It happened late, though. It was three o'clock sharp, Eastern Time when I found out. When it happens, it takes a while to sink in. The most interesting thing is where am I going?' I would say the following hour was shaking hands, saying thanks and goodbye to friends that had been for a long, long time. After that, in my case, I started to get excited about where I was going. So, you get thrown back and forth in a short amount of time."

DallasStars.com: Personally, what is the hardest thing about being traded to a new team after establishing yourself in another city?

Norstrom: "Family. Everything else I got over in a hurry. Sure, you've committed yourself to one organization for many, many years, but that was the easy part. The only tough thing for me so far has been packing my bags and leaving while my family is left behind."

DallasStars.com: You became team captain of the Kings in 2001. What is the most important thing about being captain of a NHL team?

Norstrom: "Don't change. You are chosen to be a captain for a reason, whatever that might be. You may be a vocal leader, you may be a quiet leader but you lead by example on the ice, you may be a good communicator between old and young. There are so many different things, but for whatever reason they gave you the captaincy, don't change. Don't try to do something that you have seen another captain doing unless it's in character. If it's out of character for you, you can fail."

DallasStars.com: You have played the Dallas Stars 54 times. What are your thoughts on the club? What are your thoughts on the team this season? Is it odd coming to a division rival?

Norstrom: "The Dallas Stars, I've always thought of them as a powerhouse, being such a good club for so many years. I'd say for most of those 54 games I played against them, they were sitting ahead in the standings and were going for the Cup every single year. That doesn't change at all for the team that I've seen this year. Again, you look in the standings and see what a solid season the Stars have had all year. Looking at the personnel here, there can't be any other goal in mind than the Cup."

DallasStars.com: Who is the toughest Stars forward to defend?

Norstrom: "Throughout the years, and he's still here, it's been Modano. I've been on the ice so much with him, and he has so many weapons to throw against you, especially his speed and that quick shot."

DallasStars.com: You have been described as loving a rough-and-tumble physical game and not shying away from hits. Is that an accurate depiction?

Norstrom: "Yeah, that is my game, and hopefully that's what I will bring to this team as well."

DallasStars.com: You have played with Philippe Boucher, Segei Zubov, and for Dave Tippett when he was an assistant coach in L.A. What are your thoughts on these familiar faces?

Norstrom: "Sure, it is nice. 'Bouch' is the person I know the best on this team, and it's nice. He was the first Stars player I heard from after the trade. I think it changes a bit as an older player, though. I think it might be more important for a younger player to have a familiar face around. It's funny how it works, playing in this league. You've played against guys so many times that when you meet up with them, you laugh about some of the battles you've had with them. For me, as an older player, it's less important to have familiarity here. They have been treating me first class all the way since I've been here, so it's been an easy transition."