Sources: Nicklas Grossman signs to a two Year Deal

Just after the Television schedule came out earlier today with that on everyones mind. Varying Sources including ESPN Dallas have basically announced and recently confirmed that Stars Defensemen Nicklas Grossman has signed a two year contract worth $3.25 Million Dollars that will take him through the 2011-2012 season.

ESPN Dallas Article

Mike Heika's Nicklas Grossman Profile

Dallas Stars Press Release

This upcoming season he will be getting 1.5 Million while the 2011-2012 Season will get him 1.75 Million.

This past season for the Stars, Grossman was paired with Stephane Robidas playing in 71 games where he posted 7 assists with 32 penalty minutes.

"We are very happy to sign Nicklas to this new contract," Nieuwendyk said. "He is a solid NHL Defensemen and is an important part of our young core."

This is a great job getting him secured. However, with the young d-core we have, he seems to be a bit overwhelmed and he is being asked to do much. If he could get in a position where he could be on the 2nd D Paring this is where he could really blossom for a long time to come.

Mike Modano officially signs with Detroit

After several months of speculation and drama on where the Dallas Stars' all time Star was going to end up, he has signed a one year contract with the Detroit Red Wings where he may ultimately end his career in his home town.

From the Detroit Red Wings Press Release: http://redwings.nhl.com

Mike Babcock expressed his firm belief that the Red Wings would sign Mike Modano when he gave an exc. interview to the National Hockey League Website last month. Now that it has come true, with the team announcing Thursday that he signed a one year deal and that it would welcome Modano in a News Conference Friday, Babcock is not the least bit surprised.

"We think he would be a good fit for us and excited to play for us and we think he'll have a real good year," Babcock said. "If he comes to us I'm a big believer he'll end up playing again next year too, too. I think he's got that kind of legs left in him. And, remember, he's not coming here to be the guy; he's coming here to be one of the guys."

Modano became a free agent when the Dallas Stars opted not to resign him. He reportly drew interest from other teams, but in the end, he decided to return to the city where he played his youth hockey.

"Detroit pushed very hard from the start," Modano told the Morning News Mike Heika. "There want me there, they think I can help, and they're very open about it. That was neat. It's such a good org. and they really really believe they're going to have a great team this year. They said the injuries were ridiculous last year, and they're ready to bounce back from that. I really think they're a team where you can think about winning it all."

Modnao confirmed to the Dallas Morning News that he'll be in Detroit on Friday for a news conference to announce the signing. Red Wings GM Ken Holland told http://redwings.nhl.com that Modano a unique niche with the Wings.

"I've been patient, I guess, because it's not like saying, 'We need a player and it's not Mike Modano we're sitting on the sidelines and players are moving,"' Holland said. "We're probably going to the Helm and Abdelkadar anyway. I just though when Mike Modano hit the market back on July 1 that it was a unique situation, because he's a local Little Caesars' player that is one of the greatest American Born players ever, and he can still skate."

Babcock, who has been stumping to get Modano to get on the roster for a while now, sees his options for line combos and power play units growing. He also sees the Red Wings getting back to being the puck possession team that won the Stanley Cup in 2008 and Played in Game 7 back in 2009.

"We're trying to get back to being the Red Wings, not like last year when we were taped together all year, had no depth and we rode people too hard so when we got the playoffs we were exhausted," Babcock said. "We think Nick Lindstrom has some left in him, but not if we're defending all the time. We need to get the puck and go. Our goal is to be loaded up."

Modano fits into that philosophy because he would give the Wings another scoring option. In 1,459 career games, he has 1,359 points - more points then any other U.S. Born Player in NHL History.

"What he is just another guy that can score, another guy that you have to worry about a little bit," Babcock said.

Modano said he's looking forward to playing for Babcock.

"He's such a great coach," he told the Morning News. "You talk to guys like Brenden Morrow who played for him at the Olympics, and they say he runs practices and the way he makes desicions in a game, it just gives you a lot of confidence. You just feels like you're playing on a winning team."

To see the Full Press Release, Click Here

Dallas Stars agree to a one year deal with Fabian Brunnstrom

After a shaky year for the Stars as Fabian Brunnstrom has experienced both sides of success. In the first year, he provided with an unexpected spark for the Stars. However last year, he was hardly a factor as he was wasting space at times and was in Austin with the Texas Stars at a few parts of the season as well.

Now with a one year deal, he needs to provide to be a big factor for the big Swede, or he could see his Dallas Stars Days numbered.

From the Dallas Stars: http://www.dallasstars.com/

Fabian Brunnstrom Profile:

The Dallas Stars announced today that the club and left wing Fabian Brunnstrom have agreed to terms with a one year, one way, contract for $675,000. The agreement was made prior to a scheduled arbitration hearing this morning in Toronto.

"We're pleased that we were able to an agreement with Fabian," said Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk. "We are looking forward to having him to come to training camp in September and battle for a spot on our roster."

Brunnstrom, 25, appeared in 44 games last season with the Stars, scoring two goals and 9 assists with 10 penalty minutes. The 6'2", 215 pound left wing signed as a rookie agent by Dallas on May 8, 2008. Brunnstrom played in 55 games in his rookie year of 2008-2009, scoring 17 goals and 17 assists with 8 penalty minutes.

Chris Whitley will stay with the Americans

One of the biggest decisions was decided for the Americans over the off-season was one of relief for Allen as standout goalie Chris Whitley has decided to stay with the Americans for the 2010-2011 season.

After a strong expansion season that saw them finish 2nd in the Southern Conference during the regular season, a trip to the CHL Presidents Cup Championship capped off an incredible season for the Stars CHL Affiliate.

Now with many of the important pieces still intact, they hoping that a 2nd helping will be just as good as the first as the 2010-2011 CHL Season will get underway in mid-October.

Chris Whitley Profile:

Allen Americans Website:

Netminder Chris Whitley called into a live show today at the Allen Event Center to announce his much anticipated decision to re-sign with Allen for the 2010-2011 season.

"Allen was always the team I was going to return to if I didn't persure my teaching career. I had a few offers in Europe, but I didn't get an offer that was better then Allen in my opinion," Whitley said. "The decision was also made easy with some key guys re-signed like Graham, Yellow, Nino, and Tobias, so that was another thing that factored into my decision."

The backstop return from an exceptional rookie season with the Americans. Whitley set CHL Playoff Records, played in the American Hockey League, earned accolades and took the Americans all the way to the Ray Morin Presidents Cup Finals.

During the regular season, Whitley went 31-8-1, only two wins shy of the rookie record for wins in a season in the CHL. His GAA and SV% were 2.60 and .914, respectively. The netminder started all 20 playoff games and posted a 10-10 record. The 27 year old broke three playoff records for a single postseason: most saves 636, most appearances (20) and most minutes (1205).

The backstop is anxious to get between the pipes for the Americans. "I'm hoping to complete what we almost did last year, which is win a championship. We were so close, and I still think quite often how close we were to winning in our first year as a team."

The netminder was also named the Goaltender of the Week three times (11/23, 1/4 and 1/22). He was also a finalist for Outstanding Goaltender and Rookie of the Year.

"Chris' return is really important to our team. He's an all star on and off the ice," Americans head Coach and GM Dwight Mullins said. "I know he feels we have some unfinished business to take care of."

Hailing from Oshawa, Ontario, Whitley stands at 6'1" and weighs 215 pounds. He attended the Detroit Red Wings rookie development and training camp last year, and he hopes to receive an invite to the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL) Training Camp.

Whitley also points to Allen's fan base as a reason for his return. "I feel really comfortable with the city of Allen. The city really took us in with open arms last year and showed tremendous support through the season and in the playoff run as well. I know this season will be better then last and can't wait to get back on the ice. at the AEC."

Season Tickets for Allen's second season are now on sale. Ticket Prices start as low as $9 per game with free parking at the Allen Event Center. For more info, call 972-912-1000.

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

Dallas Stars sign Scott Glennie to Entry Level Contract

Even though the plan for the Stars' top Prospect Scott Glennie is for him to stay with the Brandon Wheat Kings for the 2010-2011 season, Glennie has other plans which includes getting into the NHL Starting next season.

Even though his contract doesn't go into effect until his pro career starts, the Stars are confident that he will make a big impact early on as Scott Glennie signed to the Standard 3 Year Entry Level Contract yesterday.

Glennie has been the team's top prospect since he entered the Stars System when he was drafted last year.

The last 2 seasons for the Brandon Wheat Kings have been very successful which includes 2 trips to the WHL Eastern Conference Finals and getting to host the CHL Memorial Cup back in May where the team reached the Memorial Cup Championship game before losing to the powerful Windsor Spitfires where they became the first team in 15 years to win Back-to-Back Memorial Cups.

BTW, the last time that feat was done was the Kamloops Blazers back in 1994 and 1995.

Scott Glennie WHL Profile: http://whl.ca/stats/player.php?id=25007

Scott Glennie NHL Draft Video Profile: www.youtube.com/watch?v=felub8olqTQ

Scott Glennie @ the Memorial Cup: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hsMWRpIQgw

Dallas Stars Press Release: www.dallasstars.com

The Dallas Stars announced today that the club has signed right wing Scott Glennie to a three year entry level contract.

"We are excited to reach an agreement with Scott (Glennie)," Nieuwendyk said. "He is a skilled player that we have seen develop very quickly over the past year. We are expecting great things from him as he continues progressing toward the NHL."

Glennie, 19, spent last year with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Skating in 66 games and collecting 89 points (32G 57A) and 50 PIM. The Winnipeg, Manitoba Native also added 10 points (3G 7A) in 15 playoff games in 2009-2010.

The 6'1", 185 pound right wing has played in 182 WHL Games, recording 217 points (86G 131A) over three seasons for the Wheat Kings. Glennie finished in the top 30 in WHL Scoring in each of the past two seasons and finished 5th in rookie scoring. He has also helped the Brandon Wheat Kings reach the WHL Eastern Conference Final each of the last two seasons and has tallied 29 points (7G 22A) in 33 WHL Playoff Games.

Trevor Ludwig signs ATO With Texas Stars

Team Press Release of the Texas Stars: www.texasstarshockey.com

Tyler Ludwig, The son of Former Dallas Stars & FSN Hockey Analyst Craig Ludwig has officially signed an ATO (Amateur Tryout Agreement) with the AHL Texas Stars.

Ludwig turned pro after having a 4 year career with Western Michigan (CCHA). In four years with the Broncos, Ludwig scored 16 goals and dished out 54 assists for 70 points in 152 career NCAA Games. During his Junior & Senior Seasons, the 6'2" 205 pound defender led the Broncos in defensemen scoring.

The Colleyville, Texas Native posted a +12 rating as a senior and finished his NCAA career with a +5 overall. Ludwig is the twin brother of current Stars Defensemen Trevor Ludwig and the son of former NHLer and Dallas Stars Defensemen Craig Ludwig who won the Stanley Cup. He will join the team immediately as the Stars will play the Milwaukee Admirals tonight in Cedar Park.

In addition to the twin brothers playing with the Texas Stars right now, he has another son in C.J. who's currently playing for the Omaha Lancers who's playing in his 2nd USHL Season and has committed to Northern Michigan to start playing for them next season.

Could the Ludwig's be the first major Hockey Family to come out of Texas if any of his sons can have a strong career playing in the NHL and in different international tournaments? Will find out over the coming years.

So far this season for the Texas Stars, Trevor Ludwig has played in 34 games and scoring 7 points (3G 4A) and has collected 43 penalty minutes this season.

As for younger brother C.J., this is his 2nd season playing for the Omaha Lancers (USHL) in 52 games played his collected 23 points (7G 16A) and has a total of 123 penalty minutes in his 2nd season and was also named to the USHL All Star Game as well.