Modano's Services Still in Demand
While Mike Modano’s services were no longer needed by the Dallas Stars, the veteran centre is apparently still in demand. According to the 40-year-old forward, the San Jose Sharks and Minnesota Wild are interested in his play.
Modano has also met with representatives of the Detroit Red Wings and stated that he has plans to meet with personnel from the Wild sometime in the near future.
Modano has spent his entire National Hockey League career as a Star, stemming from when the franchise was still the Minnesota North Stars. When asked about how he would feel returning to play professionally in Minnesota, where he started out, Modano simply said: “It would be a fun storyline.”
Oddly enough, Modano actually played his final game of 2010 in Minnesota and donned an old North Stars jersey at the end of the game as he waved goodbye to the crowd.
Teams may be showing interest and Modano is handling it properly but he is uncertain of his return to playing. According to Modano: "It's the same scenario. I'm listening to what everyone has to say and taking it all in. I still have to decide if I'm going to play.”
Modano also stated that he has no time limit in regards to making a decision and is just letting things go at a natural pace. The Red Wings also present an interesting case to Modano based on their track record of making the most out of aging superstars.
If Modano does decide to play again, he must also go through the rigours that come with playing. Modano would have to test his body in training camp, practice, and then games in a full season again. At best he would be a third-line centre who could perhaps also feature on the second power play line.
Modano is a beloved legend and few doubt his ability to still contribute on the ice. In 59 games last season, Modano still had 14 goals and 16 assists. This is a far cry from the 80-point seasons in his prime, but was by no means a poor performance.
Although he can still play, does that mean Mike Modano should? Realistically, Modano is better off retiring. Quite frankly it would tarnish his legacy to don any jersey other than that of the Dallas Stars. The Stars may have started out in Minnesota, but Modano going to the relatively new Wild franchise would still leave a sour taste. Modano has no ties to the state of Minnesota; he only has ties to the Dallas Stars.
Modano, currently the current U.S. born leader in goal scoring and points, is not close to any sort of hallmark career achievement and it is doubtful he can do more than produce another 30 point season.
If he does transfer, it creates the painful scenario of then having to re-sign with Dallas to retire a Star. Mark Messier already showcased how useless that situation can be after he left the New York Rangers to play for the Canucks rather than retiring. After three awful seasons in Vancouver, Messier had to piteously re-sign with the Rangers just to retire as a member of the team.
Modano can forego all that and simply retire now as a beloved Stars marquee name. If he is truly a Star, his retirement will help fuel youth development and stabilize the franchise for upcoming years.
Additionally, Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk has stated that Modano would gladly be offered an internal position with the team. Modano has shown that he can do it all on the ice, as a true franchise player it’s time he takes up the challenge of working internally to help his team succeed.
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