National Hockey League: Mike Modano mulling a change of heart
A week ago, former Dallas Star centre Mike Modano claimed that he was un-decided if he was going to play in the NHL or not. However, Modano clarified that if he continued with his career, it would only be with the Detroit Red Wings. That was when the interest shown in the 40-year-old was somewhat muted in the National Hockey League. But things are changing for the better. It appears that Mike may in fact be reconsidering that statement as the Minnesota Wilds and San Jose Sharks have showed a keen interest in signing him for his final year in hockey.
The Red Wings don’t have the same kind of room in their cap as the Sharks and Wilds do and could scarcely afford anything more than a million and a half for Mike. Both the Sharks and the Wilds however could go higher for their cause. The fact that Mike was considering retirement already and that other teams had shown very little interest in hiring him made the Red Wings hopeful that they could acquire the future hall of famer and have him play in one more season in his hometown before retiring.
The equation changed as the Sharks and the Wilds are wooing in favour of Modano too. Mike Modano recently ended his 22-year-career with the Stars, starting with the Minnesota North Stars and continuing with the franchise when it moved to Dallas. He ended his stint with them on a salary note of $ 2.25 million. If the Sharks or the Wilds offer him another year with a salary in the same range, the Red Wings would be knocked out of the running. “We're in no position to overpay somebody”, clarified Ken Holland, the General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings.
Speaking of the possibility of ending his career in Minnesota, where it also began, he said, “It would be a fun storyline.” His ties to the Minnesota might factor into his decision in addition to the more lucrative deal Minnesota can offer. Yet Modano is still undecided. “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,” he said.
Vancouver Canucks signs defenseman O’Brien and forwards Glass and Bolduc to contract extensions
The Vancouver Canuck’s General Manager Mike Gillis has been busy. Only on Monday, his effort bore positive results as the Canucks have re-signed Shane O’Brien, Tanner Glass and Alexander Bolduc to contract extensions. O’Brien is reported to have been signed for $1.6 million, Glass for $625,000 and Bolduc for a two-way $500,000 contract.
O’Brien was given a qualifying offer by the Canucks which he accepted without opting for salary arbitration. The mild 26-year-old was acquired by the Canucks through a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightening. The defenseman had 79 penalty minutes in the previous season who gathered 8 points (2 goals and 6 assists). O’Brien led the Canucks defence line with 112 hits and ranked second amongst them with a +15 rating.
Bolduc struggled with injuries which forced him to play only 15 games in the last season. A fourth round pick in the 2003 draft, Bolduc has a total of 22 NHL games under his belt. So far, he has not scored in the NHL but has landed 33 points with 12 goals in the AHL 2008-2009 season.
The 26-year-old Tanner Glass just played his career best season with 4 goals and 7 assists. His total tally for the NHL stands at 5 goals and 8 assist in 111 games. In his last 67 games, Tanner played 115 penalty minutes and led the Canucks with 165 hits. The 210 pound six-foot-one forward was a 9th round 2003 draft pick for the Florida Panthers.
The Canucks also signed unrestricted free agent, goaltender Tyler Weiman. He played in 43 AHL games in the previous season and has a career overall goal average of 2.77 per game and a respectable save percentage of 0.909.
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