Darryl Sydor was in Frisco on Monday, excited to be back with the Stars. He was practicing with a jump in his step that was a clear indication of his anticipation to help Dallas get back to winning on a consistent basis.

“I feel good,” he said. “It has been a good first day. I just want to come in here and do what I can do. I want to be a leader both on and off the ice. Coming back here is a big thing for me and my family. It’s great to be back.”

Sydor’s leadership was a big reason why the Stars decided to re-acquire him. This is his third go-round with the team, and Mike Modano is one who has been here for every game he has played as a Star.

“Syd’s a good voice in the room,” said Modano. “I think he will help the young guys on D a lot like Norstrom did last year. There’s a good bridge between him and Norstrom. He speaks his mind and he lets people know what he thinks. Obviously we are glad to see him. He has been with us for almost 700 games or so and he was part of the foundation that we built with the Dallas Stars.”

The team will miss Boucher. How can they not since it would be difficult to find a more stand-up guy and great teammate. But Boucher struggled a bit in the early season and sometimes a change of scenery can be good for players. Sydor was having his own struggles, mainly trying to find his spot on the Penguins. The Stars are hoping that this trade works out for all involved.

“I think we are still a pretty young team and (Sydor) can add a veteran voice in the locker room,” added Stephane Robidas. “He is still a great defenseman. He played a little bit in the finals last year and he played well. Bouch was a good friend of mine on the team, we lived in the same neighborhood and our kids went to the same school. I am really sad to see him go but I hope the best for him.”

Head Coach Dave Tippett has been here for parts of all three of Sydor’s stints in Dallas and likes the familiarity that will help him settle in quickly.

“He obviously knows his surroundings and knows a lot of people on our team,” said Tippett. “He knows our coaching staff so that makes things easier. He is a veteran guy and he touches a lot of people in our group. He has history with the Stars and he has history with (Brad) Richards; he is just a very good all around veteran player.

“He is a steady guy and a good defensemen. He moves the puck pretty well and plays in a lot of different situations and he is a vocal guy in the locker room. He leads by competing well on the ice. It’s something that I have thought was always one of his strongest assets.”

Plus Tippett likes what he sees out of Sydor’s early attitude and approach to rejoining the Stars.

“When your players have a mindset that they want to help their team, sometimes a fresh start will allow them to do that,” he said. “He comes in with a clean slate and he knows exactly what is expected of him. I think he will be a very influential player. He has been that way for a long time. He has great leadership and he has won a couple of cups.”

Dallas will host the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday at 7:30 pm (Fox Sports Southwest, News/Talk 820 WBAP - TICKETS).