Is Modano to Detroit only a matter of time?

Detroit Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock told the NHL Website late last night that the Detroit Red Wings are close to signing the Stars Legend to a deal that would take him back to his home town. Growing up in nearby Livonia, Michigan.

Modano going to Detroit was something that I thought would really get his interest and with the team looking to get back to the Cup after having one of their worst seasons in 20 years, he would eventuality bring experience and leadership to a fantastic Red Wings team.

It would be really bizarre and weird to see him in a Red Wings uniform knowing the huge rivalry that the Stars & Red Wings have. Surprisingly I don't have a problem with him going to the Red Wings as that is his hometown and a chance to end his career and possibly win one last Stanley Cup Chance would be a great end to a historic career for the Stars.

Just a reminder everyone, the Stars play Detroit in the Team's Opener on October 14.

Here's part of an article written by George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press written earlier today. www.freep.com

Mike Modano is going to play for the Detroit Red Wings next season, and the season after that - at least if you believe Wings Head Coach.

"This is a no brainer for Mike Modano - the highest scoring American Player of all time to comeback to play for your hometown, play in Hockeytown," Babcock told the National Hockey League Website. "It's not about the cash, it's about the legacy and the fit. He'll fit, and he'll be excited to play. I look forward to him signing. I think that's inevitable. I think that's what is going to happen."

Of Course, Babcock could be 100% wrong. Modano, 40, is being courted by other teams, too.

"I think this is all going to work out; I'm pretty certain of that for us. But I've been around here before, and if you told me that Jiri Hudler was leaving for Russia, I wouldn't have believed it," Babcock said. "I've been wrong. Some people think I have the market cornered on being wrong."

Check this Link to see the Full Article: www.freep.com/article/20100716/SPORTS05/100716053/1354/Babcock-Inevitable-that-Modano-will-join-Wings

In addition to the Detroit Free Press Article, Jean-Jacques Taylor wrote about how Modano needs to keep his ego out of the Decision of finding out where he will play in the 2010-2011 season.

Here's part of the Jean-Jacques Taylor Article: www.dallasnews.com

Mike Modano should wear the hated Detroit Red Wings Red Sweater this season as long as he's playing because he can't imagine life without hockey - not because his ego needs some TLC. It's easy to see why Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk made the difficult, but correct, decision to inform Modano that he'd played his last season for the Dallas Stars.

Like most superstars, especially those who spend the bulk of his career with one team, Modano feels a certain sense of entitlement. Talk to enough people within the organization and they'll tell you that Modano, while still likable, has become a curmudegon over the last couple of seasons. In Dallas, he's the face of the franchise, the best player to ever wear a Stars Sweater. Here, every forward gets compared to Modano.

Here, he's the standard.

That's why Modano could never be a role player with the Stars. It's too hard on his ego. It's no different then why running back Eddie George took the same money in 2004 to be a backup for the Cowboys instead of the same role in Tennessee, where he had been the face of the franchise.

No former great player wants to hear ever wants to be told his role is changing. They always see themselves the way they always have been - and it doesn't matter whatever its Modano, Emmitt Smith, Ken Griffey Jr. or Michael Jordan.

The Great ones rarely believe their skill has diminished. Or they're not capable of dominating. They usually wind up complaining about the system or the coach in a never-ending quest to explain why their performance has slipped.

Still, just like Brett Farve, Modano has earned the right to decide whetever he wants to play another season, even if it'centerning the third line in Detroit between a couple of talented wingers such as Dan Cleary and Jiri Hudler on a team with six players at least 35. If Modano wants to play for Minnesota, San Jose or Anaheim, teams that have also expressed interest, that's cool too.

Frankly, players should never listen to fans or management tell them when it times to retire.

Fans are fickle, their opinions tend to sway based on the athletes last performance, and management always puts the team first. Every single time.

To see the Full Article: www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/hockey/stars/stories/071410dnspotaylorcol.1e0738c.html

Modano Reaction from Ralph Strangis

As fallout from Mike Modano leaving the Dallas Stars continues. People and media from around the D/FW Area are giving their reaction about the franchise star leaving the team after being with the org. for over 20 years and in Dallas for the last 17. Here's some thoughts from Dallas Stars Play-By-Play Announcer Ralph Strangis.

From the Dallas Stars Website: www.dallasstars.com

I've been really busy the last few weeks. I know - sounds impossible to believe that a guy with my summer schedule actually gets "busy" - but a little travel - a little corporate work - a little entertaining sponsors in Vegas for the NHL Awards Ceremony - and you get - a little busy.

So I was unable to go to either Joe or Mike's respective press conference. Watched them both on the Dallas Stars website. Spoke to Joe. Traded a text with Mike. Talked to my organizational pals. Like that.

And because of all this running around lately - I haven't really had the time to let it sink all in. Mike Modano has officially played his last game with the Stars. Didn't know how that would feel to type it out - but I got though it alright.

I've known Mike for over 20 years. Literally watched each other grow up. I know - some would debate that for either or both but let's get weighed down here.

What Joe said - "his contributions are immeasurable." No other way to see it. Can't measure what he's done for this team, the game, the city, USA Hockey. No way to measure it. No way possible to quantify that. So were on the same page.

Then I get some emails about how we can do this to Mike. Totally understandable. I mean c'mon - if your Stars fans - how can you NOT be affected by this? And sometimes in my case things can come out sideways but i gotta get it out. So I get it out. So when I answer these emails I always begin with something like "part of what Mike helped us do here is create a really passionate fan base - and so thank you for sharing your passion with us."

Comes a time when everyone is done. No way around that either. What I've seen is generally the guy is the last guy to think it's time. Can't blame him for that - sort of Darwinian, hard-weird survival instincts or something. Then add the high achieving world class rock star athlete to the mix. Almost always somebody else has to make the call.

You know - I have been here a long time. But this job wasn't created so I can be the Stars Play-By-Play guy and an ambassador. Some day somebody else will have it. That's how it works. The wheel turns, deal with it.

Here's what I hope. That If I can do keep doing this job for a bunch more years - but then things start to go - you know - eyesight - memory - cadence - timing - sharpness - energy - any or all the things that I rely on every day. Well if I'm still here and they start going and I can't do this anymore but I can't do or don't walk to think about that - well here's what I hope.

I hope that they will be a guy on the airplane and around toward the end who is my friend and who knows exactly what I'm going through because he just went through it. That he'll talk to me and drop hints and be there for me when the time comes.

I hope hes the guy that says to me - "Ralphie - we love ya - and you've been a really good guy for us here - and we'll work to find a place for you in the organization... but buddy boy - you can't do play-by-play anymore."

I know i'd be pissed at first. Guaranteed. But I also know that I would be supremely fortunate if I could have a guy there for me like that. Most guys aren't that lucky. I hope if and when that happens I remember how much better it is for me that is someone like that and not somebody else who doesn't know me or understand what I'm going through and doesn't care anyway.

And hope I remember that the wheel does turn. That's the deal.

Mike Modano Poll Question

With Mike Modano now officially released from the team. The new poll question is simply what do you want him to do now with free agency starting tomorrow. Should he play for another team to maybe have one last shot at another Stanley Cup or do you want him to retire as a career long Dallas Star?

I want to hear your comments and post some of your favorite Mike Modano moments in a Dallas Stars Uniform as well.

My Quick Take: Also why on earth was the Mike Modano Press Conference not televised live this morning. Especially on a network like FSN Southwest where they cover the Stars all season long. Well today, were talking about the end of an era and a lot of people would have liked to see it today as people wanted to see what he had to say this morning.

Mike Modano Highlight Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7LiHe4_b_o

www.wfaa.com/video/featured-videos/Modano-gives-reaction-to-his-release-from-the-Dallas-Stars-97494004.html

You can also tweet me at http://twitter.com/tanman9

This Question is simple folks.

Should he Announce his Retirement

Sign for another NHL Team

Mike Modano Press Conference on the Ticket

Mike Modano's Press Conference about him getting released will be getting underway in a couple of minutes that you can listen to on Sports Radio 1310 the Ticket. Tune your radios, turn up your Internet stream or if you have an IPhone, tune it to the Ticket to hear Mike Modano's comments as we hear from the Ex Dallas Star for the first time since getting released yesterday.

http://www.theticket.com/

Click on the Link and find the Big Green Button that says listen here for the live stream.

ESPN Dallas Article on Modano leaving the Stars

Here's a look at an article by Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas on the end of the Mike Modano Era of the Dallas Stars.

By Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: http://espn.go.com/dallas

The Dallas Stars are not going to offer Mike Modano a contract for next season, general manager Joe Nieuwendyk said Tuesday, ending the Modano era with the franchise.

Nieuwendyk said the club decided it was time to move forward with a younger group and that Modano doesn't fit into those plans. Modano has not decided whetever he's going to play next season.

"This decision doesn't come easy, but it's something I've been talking to Mike about for quite some time," Nieuwendyk said Tuesday, two days before free agency again in the NHL. "It's a difficult decision for fans and our entire org. I feel it's necessary for us to move forward under these trying times. We have young players that I believe have to be put in a position where they can be successful and unfortunately the depth of our team at the center position. I didn't anticipate Mikes role moving forward from a fourth line position and, in fact, we need to incorporate a different look there as well."

Nieuwendyk said he's talked to Modano about a place in the front office, through the role remains undefined.

"I'll be the first guy knocking on the new owner's door to have Mike as part of the org.," Nieuwendyk said. "We've talked about it at length. The league said this is an issue that has to be handled by the new ownership group coming in. Again, I think we're all beating the same drum: We want Mike Modano as a part of the org.

Later at a news conference, Nieuwendyk said he's realized Modano's popular standing within the franchise but felt it was time to move on.

"My job is on the ice," Nieuwndyk said. "I realize the impact Mike has had on the franchise from a selling point. You're not going to replace Mike Modano. He's been a special person and a special player for so many years in Dallas. But like all great players, at some point you have to turn the page. I feel like it's time we turn the page."

Modano told ESPN Dallas last week that he figured if he was going to play next season, next season it would not be in a Dallas Stars uniform.

"The more and more I looked into the situation, I come to believe I'm not in the scheme of things here," Modano said that. "If I had to play, I may have to look at going elsewhere."

Modano has spent his entire 22 year career with the Stars Org. He holds a gaggle of club records - he's the franchise leader in 15 statistical categories - and is the all time points (1359) and goals (557) leader among U.S. Born Players. All of them were collected as a part of the Stars Org.

He was drafted first overall in 1988 by the then Minnesota North Stars, and became the face of the Stars Franchise when the club moved to Dallas in 1993.

He helped the team win a Stanley Cup in 1999, when Nieuwendyk, then his teammate, won the Conn Smythe winner as Playoff MVP.

"I realized taking this job as GM I was going to be faced with difficult decisions. I've had to face some very tough decisions because I've played with some of these guys," Nieuwendyk said. "They are my friends". I have to do what I feel like is necessary. The Strength is with our young players. We have to find the next Mike Modano. We won't find the same Mike Modano, but we have some young players that want to push it to the next level."

Modano, who turned 40 earlier this month, played part of last season on the fourth line. He had 30 points, including 14 goals in 59 games. His final home game was a memorable one, as Modano scored to tie the game late in regulation and then in a shootout in a Stars win, and was given several rousing ovations in an emotional farewell.

His last game of the season was against the Wild in Minnesota, where he skated off the ice after the game wearing his old North Stars Jersey.

Modano becomes an unrestricted free agent Thursday. He said physically he still can play but has to decide if he wants to go through the grind of another season. Modano said last week that he's continued to work out as if he's playing again, and then he wanted to wait and see what the market bears for his services.

Stars forward Brad Richards said he understands management's decision to move forward with younger players, but they are going to miss Modano's presence.

"The NHL is getting younger because of budgets and I would imagine if we were on the cusp of a Stanley Cup, things might be different," said Richards via text. Richards led the team with 91 points last season. "I think Joe needs to see what these young guys can do and with the ownership problems, he has tough decisions concerning the budget."

Another forward, Steve Ott, added that Modano's departure impacts more then just the fans.

"Mike was a wonderful teammate, always happy, always joking around and having a good time," Ott said. "He brought that fun attitude to the rink. Those are the type of guys you can go to war with and battle with. He made it fun. That's why we play this game."

Stars Captain Brenden Morrow said the departures of Modano and free agent goalie Marty Turco will alter the leadership element in the Stars dressing room and on the ice.

"Those were two veterans I could lean on," Morrow said. "Marty was a vocal guy that others listened to. Mike provided so much with his presence. And when he did have something to say, it carried weight."

Dallas Stars releasing Modano: My Commentary

Well when the season ended back in Mid April for the Dallas Stars up in Minnesota. Their was a strong possibility that his Stars career would end where it began just over 20 years back in April. Now it's made official that the face of hockey in the state is moving on after 21 seasons with both the Minnesota North/Dallas Stars Franchise, the team is going to have to look for a new identify, a new direction and looking for new ways to succeed.

For Mike Modano, part of me wants him to retire to preserve the fact that he would play his entire career for one team as I got a chance to see his final home game back April 8 against the Anaheim Ducks. The huge ovation he got during the 3rd period, scoring the game tieing goal that got the game to OT, then scoring in the SO.

All the great moments from the team's debut, the great playoff moments from getting to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1999 and 2000 to winning the whole thing that long and tiring night in Buffalo in June of 1999. Also as a final respect to the team and the city that cheered for him for the last 17 years. Knowing that he won't be getting revenge or looking for any more milestones or possibility winning a 2nd Stanley Cup after back-to-back Cup Finals in 1999 and 2000.

This would be a good time for him to retire, he just turned 40 years old, theirs not much left for him when it comes down to milestones. He currently has 557 goals in his career which puts him in the 500 goal club. At his rate in recent years, it would take a long time for him to reach 600 even though he's only 43 away from that milestone.

In addition to the Stanley Cup, he also won the Silver Medal at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City as well. Most players usually retire in their late 30s/early 40's so he's pretty much on track right now. After just recently turning 40, this would be a good time because of where he is in his career. Not good enough to play in the Olympics again, another milestone mostly unlikely, but he will always have the memories and the fact that the number 9 in Green & Gold will always be remembered in the D/FW Area.

On the other-hand, I could also see him play again. Because of his lack of major injures in his career and on some nights, even this past season, he's still can bring his moments of magic that can turn games around and help support young players as they pro careers are just starting up.

If he could find a spot where he could be a strong 3rd line center on a team that could possibly be looking to win a Cup next year, it would not be surprising for him to comeback for a year or two. Every player has that fire to get all their can out of their careers. Whetever it's milestone, one more shot at a Cup or for love the game if nothing else.

For Stars fans, it will look weird not seeing him in a Dallas Jersey next year. This was just Like when Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, Roger Stabuch or Nolan Ryan left their teams in D/FW Sports History. It happens to everybody at some point and fans may not like, but teams need to move on with a new group of players that's looking for their success and chances to win championships in the future.

Right now the Stars don't have just a lot of prospects and the ones they do have like Scott Glennie and Philipp Larsen need to start getting involved in the system. As for players like Jamie Benn, James Neal and Kari Lehtonen, their time is now to have a strong new group and bring hockey glory back to D/FW that we haven't had since 2008 when the team reached the Conference Finals. Their time is now and the spotlight will be on them now with Modano gone.

I congratulate him on all he's done from the Stanley Cup, the Olympic Silver Medal and he will always be a part of the Dallas Stars moving forward. He still got great moments to look forward to, like getting his jersey retired and being voted into the Hall of Fame. He will most likely be with the team's front office at some point after his playing days are over, regardless he decides to play next season or hang em up this summer.

So in conclusion, they is life beyond Mike Modano for Dallas Stars fans, also get a chance to learn about the up-and-comers to the club like Jamie Benn and James Neal as we will get to know them better in the future. Eventhough it may be tough and painful right now. When you look back at up, they will be still a lot of great moments to look back.

But at the same time, look forward to a new generation of Stars and more chances to see Stanley Cup Titles and maybe an event like the Frozen Four or the World Junior Championships that could come by here as the sport continues to grow in the future.

It's sad to see Modano, but never forget all the fun and success he had in his time as the face of the team.

Dallas Stars Press Conference on Modano

A press Conference from GM Joe Nieuwendyk, Head Coach Marc Crawford and Team Staff just started from the AAC in downtown Dallas. You can listen to it on the Sports Radio 1310 the Ticket right now you can listen to on your radio or online at http://www.theticket.com/

When you get on the Ticket Website, find the Green Button on the top of the screen that says "Listen Here".

In addition to Joe Nieuwendyk press Conference, it starting to look like that Mike Modano will be speaking about this sometime tomorrow. As for the TV Stations covering, you better have this televised tomorrow because were talking about the end of an era with one of the greatest players in this cities history. We're also talking about the man that put the sport on the map in this state and especially in the D/FW Area.

Update: Mike Modano will have his press Conference at 10:30 AM tomorrow from the AAC.