Modano's Uncertain Future Will Not Continue in Dallas

 

Mike Modano remains uncertain about his playing future in the National Hockey League. While he weighs the option to retire or return after over 20 seasons as the face of Dallas Stars hockey and one of the most prolific U.S. born skaters, it appears the only organization he as ever called home will not welcome another season with him on their roster. General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk announced on Tuesday, via the team’s official Web site, that the 40-year old franchise leader in 15 regular season categories and 11 postseason ones would not be offered a new contract as an unrestricted free agent starting July 1.

“It was something that I’ve been talking to Mike about for quite some time,” Nieuwendyk said on Tuesday. “It’s a difficult decision for our fans, and it’s a difficult decision for our organization. But from my standpoint, I feel it’s necessary for us to move forward under these trying times. It’s a tough decision, but we’re going to move on without him on the ice. My primary focus is making the Dallas Stars a contender again. You’re not going to replace Mike Modano, but like all great players, at some point you have to turn the page. The strength of our team is our youth, and we have some great young players that will push to the next level.”

This must a heart wrenching realization for Dallas fans, who adore the man that has adorned the No. 9 for their team and only their team since the franchise relocated to Texas back in 1991. And even Modano there was “an outside chance” he could make another run with the Stars, according to an interview he conducted Tuesday with ESPNDallas.com. But this move can hardly be unexpected, especially after everybody in the American Airlines Center showered Modano with tear-inducing cheers on what believed to possibly be his final home game with the Stars on April 9: