Jiri Hudler said he's fitting right in with the Stars.

That's impressive for a guy who signed as a free agent in August.

"In the locker room, I don't feel like I've been around for a week, I feel like I've been around for a couple years," Hudler said. "I've been in the league long enough, but you are still a little nervous about how it is going to be and if you are going to click with the boys in the room. This is more than I expected. Everybody is really nice, and this is a fun group. The class coming out of the room is unreal. I like that."

It's not surprising the Stars feel the same way about Hudler. General manager Jim Nill drafted Hudler with Detroit back in 2002, and the two spent eight seasons in the Red Wings organization together. So when Hudler was still looking for a team in August, Nill was able to persuade the 32-year-old winger to sign a one-year deal for the bargain price of $2 million.

"I had some options, but Jim called and I know Jim," Hudler said. "This team is always so fun, I like the way they play. I think I have put myself in a great situation. We can do a lot of great things."

Hudler started those great things Monday with a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over the St. Louis Blues as Dallas started preseason play at American Airlines Center. The skilled winger played on a line with Jason Spezza and Patrick Sharp, and also was a key part of the power play. That's exactly where the Stars hope Hudler can fit during the regular season.

"He has a history of being good on the power play, he has a history of playing well in the top six, so we think he has a chance to be a real fit here," Nill said.

Hudler two seasons ago played on the top line in Calgary and had a career year, tallying 76 points (31 goals, 45 assists) in 78 games. Things weren't as good last season when he split time between the Flames and Panthers, but Hudler still tallied 46 points in 72 games in what many felt was a "bad" year.

"He's been a consistent 50-70 point player," Stars coach Lindy Ruff said. "He plays the game the way we like to play it. He likes to have the puck. I think we have some players that he can play with where they will make each other better."

Hudler said he expects the Stars to have a potent power play.

"This is a power house, I think, for power plays," Hudler said. "You just go through the lineup and the hockey sense and skill level is as high as it gets in this league. I don't think we should be worried about the power play."

Hudler also could be a candidate to play on the top line with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, but he said he isn't worried about where he fits.

"There's no guarantees ... I'm the new guy," Hudler said with a smile. "Whoever I play with, I'm sure I'm going to play with good players."

No wonder he fits right in. With that kind of attitude and plenty of experience and skill, he really has found a comfortable landing spot after a long summer.

"Everybody on our team is tight," winger Antoine Roussel said. "That's the mentality of our team, family first. That's what we do, we welcome guys like that."

Briefly

-- Patrik Nemeth and Patrick Eaves scored the other goals for the Stars. Patrick Sharp finished with two assists.

-- Kari Lehtonen started in goal and stopped nine of 10 shots. Maxime Lagace played the second half and stopped all 14 shots he faced.

-- Esa Lindell and Radek Faksa returned from the World Cup of Hockey and practiced Monday. Ruff said they could play in exhibition games soon.

-- Ales Hemsky returned from the World Cup with a groin injury and could be out for two weeks.