Modano, Stars part ways

[A.E]

Mike Modano will not be a Dallas Star

If legendary Stars forward Mike Modano decides to keep playing next season it is a matter that the Dallas Stars will not be concerning themselves with. The Stars announced today that they will not be offering Mike Modano a new contract. Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk had this to say about the matter:

"Mike is unclear on whether he will retire or not, and still may decide to play next season. After assessing our roster and where we need to go as a hockey team, we have decided to not offer Mike a contract and allow him to explore free agency on July 1. If Mike decides that he would like to play with another team, we support his wishes. That's part of the reason behind the timing of this announcement; we wanted to be up-front with Mike and give him the option to explore playing for other clubs on July 1 if he chooses."

We mentioned here the other day that Modano has already spoken about where he might be interested in going to next, and that short list included all the other teams in the Pacific Division. As for the Stars, they're making it clear that getting younger is the reason why they're parting ways with Modano. The Stars also have to put a lot of their focus this off-season on getting some of those young players signed in James Neal, Matt Niskanen, and Nicklas Grossman. Nieuwendyk explains further:

"We have a good number of young guys who are hungry and ready for bigger roles on our team. That's a big part of this decision. These players are ready to step up and play important minutes. We need them to continue their improvement and development if we are to get to where we want to be as a hockey club."

I'm sure this is a tough stand for the Stars to make as Modano has spent his entire career with the organization and just parting ways like this with a guy who is bound for the hall of fame has to be hard. At the very least we're spared a sort of Brett Favre-like drama between the two sides as they dance around the possibilities of staying or going and driving the fans crazy in the process. Now we'll wait to see if or when Modano lands with another team in the Stars' divisional backyard.

Sad day for both Modano & the Stars, I find it hard to picture one without the other. This is going to be one of those strange sights, Modano wearing the uniform of another team. Something similar to Sundin in a Nucks uni last year. In any event, the Stars had to make this move in order to get more youth time on the ice. I hope Modano ends up with a contending team and spends (what will most likely be) his final season as part of a cup run.

 

[RipCity32]

I sense Detroit. Seems like a good fit.

 

[A.E]

I sense Detroit. Seems like a good fit.

Not a chance. Detroit is already loaded with forwards.

 

[RipCity32]

I'm sure we could make room for him. Just seems like the type of player that Holland would like to bring in here.

 

[Mooche]

I have no idea what team he will head to. It really depends on his preference, but I could see him joining a young team that can contend to give them the poise and leadership they will need down the stretch. I can't picture Mike in another uniform other than Dallas... I really can't.

 

[snipezo]

I see him going to a good young squad who needs veteran presence to their lineup. Not sure where he'll go, really but wouldn't be surprised if he goes to NYR lol. They love to overpay old forwards that are outta their prime. I'm sure money isn't the first priority for Mike though.

 

[playmaker7]

Yeah it is hard to imagine the Stars without Modano

It won't look right for either him wearing a new jersey or the team playing without him in the lineup

 

[A.E]

Depending on any sort of demand for Modano, I could see going back to Minnesota as a big option. Minnesota needs centers but they are tight on cap and not sure if a 40-year part timer is the answer. Phoenix was actually the first team came to mind earlier.

 

[JoshHoward5]

Please, just please retire. It would somewhat ruin his legacy in my eyes if he went elsewhere. Also don't forgot that touching farewell that Dallas gave him, all that would be ruined...RUINED

 

[A.E]

Please, just please retire. It would somewhat ruin his legacy in my eyes if he went elsewhere. Also don't forgot that touching farewell that Dallas gave him, all that would be ruined...RUINED

It wouldn't be ruined at all. Years from now, when people look back on the career of Modano, the 1 season in another uniform won't even be mentioned. That is, unless, he Ray Borque's his way out of the league. Modano spending 99% of his time with 1 franchise...I wouldn't worry about any tarnishing of his legacy. The guy leaves on good terms, no hostility, he's doesn't have it in him to play against Dallas and highhandedly beat 'em.

 

[RipCity32]

Not a chance. Detroit is already loaded with forwards.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland confirmed that he has expressed interest in Mike Modano, but said he didn't want to get people excited because "it might not go anywhere."

Modano told the Dallas Morning News that he has spoken with some NHL teams today, including the Wings, but had no serious discussions.

"He's a local boy, a (future) Hall of Famer, yeah, I'm interested," Holland said. "We've had good success through the years in getting the most out of players that are nearing the end."

The interest is there, anything is possible.

 

[RipCity32]

Wings are looking to sign Modano and use him as our 3rd line center.
He is visiting the Wings today, then the Tigers game with Holland.

I called this

 

[A.E]

Wings are looking to sign Modano and use him as our 3rd line center.
He is visiting the Wings today, then the Tigers game with Holland.

I called this

He's gonna retire Rip. I don't think the Wings can offer him as much money or as much time on the ice as he feels he's still worth.

 

[Rios15]

It's sad to see a player like Modano close to retiring. It seems like a whole generation of players that I watched when I first started watching hockey are retiring and it's tough to see them walk away. Sundin, Sackic, Yzerman, Gary Roberts, Alexander Mogilny, Mario Lemeiux, etc.

 

[RipCity32]

Well either way, he narrowed it down to either playing for the Wings or retiring.
He said if he isn't playing for the Wings next year he won't play at all.

Hopefully Holland brings him in.
I really believe he does sign here, and gives it a shot at ending his career with a Stanley Cup.

 

[LeafsFan4Life]

He's gonna retire Rip. I don't think the Wings can offer him as much money or as much time on the ice as he feels he's still worth.

I doubt he is asking for a lot of money and he probably knows he will be playing on the 3rd or 4th line..

 

[JoshHoward5]

It wouldn't be ruined at all. Years from now, when people look back on the career of Modano, the 1 season in another uniform won't even be mentioned. That is, unless, he Ray Borque's his way out of the league. Modano spending 99% of his time with 1 franchise...I wouldn't worry about any tarnishing of his legacy. The guy leaves on good terms, no hostility, he's doesn't have it in him to play against Dallas and highhandedly beat 'em.

I wouldn't doubt that it wouldn't ruin it for other people, but it will a bit in my eyes. I will always love Modano (as a player, so no homo), but just seeing him on another team would suck. Also the Red Wings are the last team I want to see him sign with.