61 replies to this topic

[xtrememachine1]

Messier really doesn't fall into the same category as Sakic, Yzerman or Modano.

You don't think so? He was the "Messiah" and led the Rangers to their first Cup in 54 years. He's the 4th Ranger ever to have his number retired. He wasn't a lifer like Yzerman, Sakic and Modano, but he was the face of that franchise and the Rangers kept him around until he decided to retire. I think that's pretty comparable.

[MidMichSteve]

it would be cool to see him play with the wild...or the wings

Modano Upset

It looks to me like he would rather play for a Western team.

Mike Heika / Reporter

I just got off the phone with Mike Modano and he said he was ``upset and disappointed'' that things with the Stars had to end this way.

``I was told a while back by different people that I would have the say of when I wanted to retire, and it obviously didn't happen that way,'' he said. ``I'm upset and disappointed with today. It's definitely not the way I pictured it happening.''

Modano said he's not upset with GM Joe Nieuwendyk, just with the process. He said he and Nieuwendyk remain friends.

``Yeah, definitely, it wasn't easy for him, and I know that,'' Modano said. ``It's just business, but it doesn't make it any easier for me, either.''

Modano has contacted some business associates who would help him in shopping himself around, but said he would act as his own agent in free agency. He said he would be personally fielding calls when free agency starts on Thursday and said he believes he would probably play in the Western Conference.

``I definitely think in the west, that's what I know best and where I'm most comfortable,'' he said.

Modano's wife, Willa Ford, has been shuttling back between California and Texas while pursuing acting gigs, and Modano said it would be good if he could work things to be near her.

``She'd be ecstatic if that would happen, so that's definitely preferred,'' he said. ``But I just have to find the right fit.''

Modano said he's still not sure he wants to play. He said he can't even put a percentage on his decision, because he doesn't know what opportunities are out there.

``Honestly, until I talk to people and know where I fit and how I can help a team, I have no information to even base a decision on,'' he said. ``It's a whole new world for me, but I think I should probably know a lot more after the first week or so of free agency. Who knows, I could find the right fit on the first day and sign a deal or I could find nothing and then decide to retire. Anything is possible right now.''

When asked about his fit on the Stars, he said he wasn't happy last season.

``No, but who on the team was,'' he asked rhetorically. ``It wasn't a good season, it didn't come together very easily. I just think you have to put that in the past and move on.''

[e_prime]

It looks to me like he would rather play for a Western team.

A Turco and Modano reunion in San Jose?

[mjlegend]

On the other hand, I can understand the angle that Nieuwendyk is coming from.

You mean the "I'm bitter about being left out of the HOF for Dino Ciccarelli so I'm going to take it out on the nearest former North Star" angle?

[dragonballgtz]

I didn't know he was banging Willa Ford.

Back on topic, I know I am gonna get called crazy, dumb or another word for this comment but I would of rather have Modano over Bert.

Edited by dragonballgtz, 29 June 2010 - 05:44 PM.

[cjm502]

Check this out!

TSNBobMcKenzie: For the right price, DET is a team that may have some interest in Mike Modano. Wouldn't that be interesting? Hometown boy and all.

[CanadaBoy]

Get er done Kenny!
Let's win one more for Mike!

[miller76]

Modano was great, and shame on the Stars organization for letting this happen.

I would be a pissed off Stars fan today, if I were one. Thankfully I am not. I just thought of it, like Yzerman not being offered a contract for the 06 season, and they just said thanks for everything, there's the door. An action like that would have totally changed my view of this team.

But at the same time, I know Mike is from Michigan, I know it would be a good feel good story, and I would welcome him here in a heartbeat. But I want to see this team go to a Final next season. And it's not a slam on Modano, but every roster spot is crucial. I guess I am just a little bothered by the fact the team retained Cheli longer then needed. I feel like the team shot themselves in the foot, by giving him a spot. I feel like the team might do the same with Maltby, and they will probably do the same with Draper after next season.

[Yzerman191]

I would love to see Modano sign here to finish his career; I think he can still be a productive 3rd line center. With that said, I can't see it happening. I posted something similar in another thread, but here's how I see things:

Almost definitely, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen, Hudler, Filppula, Bertuzzi, Holmstrom, Cleary, Helm, Draper, and Eaves will be on the roster. Abdelkader and Ritola are both signed for next year and cannot play in the AHL, and Miller will likely be resigned. That is already 14 players, before signing the gritty 4th liner Holland is looking for, which would make 15 players. That also makes a whopping seven players listed as natural centers (Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Flip, Hudler, Draper, Helm, and Ritola).

Modano signing would give us 8 natural centers and 16 signed, non-AHL (without passing waivers) eligible forwards. It's likely Miller and maybe Ritola could be gone without a strong training camp, and Holland may not pick up a gritty 4th liner, but even so that still gives us 13 forwards with Modano after cutting three spots.

I just don't see it happening. It would be cool though.

[irishtemper14+25]

I would love to see Modano sign here to finish his career; I think he can still be a productive 3rd line center. With that said, I can't see it happening. I posted something similar in another thread, but here's how I see things:

Almost definitely, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen, Hudler, Filppula, Bertuzzi, Holmstrom, Cleary, Helm, Draper, and Eaves will be on the roster. Abdelkader and Ritola are both signed for next year and cannot play in the AHL, and Miller will likely be resigned. That is already 14 players, before signing the gritty 4th liner Holland is looking for, which would make 15 players. That also makes a whopping seven players listed as natural centers (Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Flip, Hudler, Draper, Helm, and Ritola).

Modano signing would give us 8 natural centers and 16 signed, non-AHL (without passing waivers) eligible forwards. It's likely Miller and maybe Ritola could be gone without a strong training camp, and Holland may not pick up a gritty 4th liner, but even so that still gives us 13 forwards with Modano after cutting three spots.

I just don't see it happening. It would be cool though.

Yes but we have until after training camp to be completely under the cap and we could easily trade ritola, or milller. I'd much prefer if we did get rid of Miller for Modano.

[dragonballgtz]

I would love to see Modano sign here to finish his career; I think he can still be a productive 3rd line center. With that said, I can't see it happening. I posted something similar in another thread, but here's how I see things:

Almost definitely, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen, Hudler, Filppula, Bertuzzi, Holmstrom, Cleary, Helm, Draper, and Eaves will be on the roster. Abdelkader and Ritola are both signed for next year and cannot play in the AHL, and Miller will likely be resigned. That is already 14 players, before signing the gritty 4th liner Holland is looking for, which would make 15 players. That also makes a whopping seven players listed as natural centers (Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Flip, Hudler, Draper, Helm, and Ritola).

Modano signing would give us 8 natural centers and 16 signed, non-AHL (without passing waivers) eligible forwards. It's likely Miller and maybe Ritola could be gone without a strong training camp, and Holland may not pick up a gritty 4th liner, but even so that still gives us 13 forwards with Modano after cutting three spots.

I just don't see it happening. It would be cool though.

Agreed. Then there is the will we or won't we with Maltby...just not enough room. Damn waiver rule bullsh!t

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros]

I'd be all for Modano signing here.Obviously,a few guys are gonna have to go.I'd be happy with something along the lines of this:

Franzen-Datsyuk-Holmstrom
Filppula-Zetterberg-Hudler
Cleary-Modano-Bertuzzi
Boogaard-Helm-Abdelkader
-Draper,Eaves

-Let Miller go
-Get rid of Ritola

Sort of unlikely,but interesting that Bob McKenzie sites us as a possibility.I'd be stoked if he came to Detroit.

[wings1110]

Yzerman also retired at the beginning of the salary cap era. I'm not sure the Wings were fully hampered by the Cap at that point, and Yzerman was also playing on borrowed time to begin with. If Modanno is interested in playing, he doesn't have any nagging knee injuries holding him back. The Stars, however, have their team to focus on and a salary cap that won't rise for the face of the franchise.
But at the same time, you would think that a guy of his stature would deserve a little more class. I think its just one of those situations where ugliness was inevitable.

well the wings also let cheli stick around a couple extra years because of the respect hes earned and deserved, same with maltby.

the wings would resign lidstrom for the next ten years if thats what lids wanted. when you have had such a great career, and you are classy like lidstrom (and modano) you earn the right to do pretty much whatever the f*** you want

[Kira]

Though it probably isn't a very glorious sendoff, maybe it's time for Mike to hang up the skates.

[RedWingsFanatic]

Some thoughts on Modano as a Wing:

Hockeytown Happenings - I Like Mike (As A Red Wing)

If you’re Modano, where else would you want to be? He’s from Livonia, he has a frickin’ hockey rink named after him in Westland and he’d be joining a team that would be an automatic contender with or without him. The Wings have a history of doing this (i.e. Luc Robitaille and Brett Hull) and it’s worked out pretty well if I recall correctly. There isn’t a better fit for him.

[Green Wing]

DarrenDreger
Modano will have options on a 1 year basis. Detroit and St Louis expected to be among them.

^On his Twitter this morning. Interesting. Dreger usually knows what's going on.

Can't see it happening myself, though.

[wingfan1991]

come on kenny, get it done!

[redwingfan19]

please god no

[SwedeLundin77]

This is all speculation, and some other speculation against him coming here or St. Louis include the fact that is wife is currently working in Texas and toward the west coast... I think she's trying to get into acting or is acting. So that would seem to indicate that he may not want to move too far east of Texas. I could see him ending up with Phoenix, Colorado, LA, Anaheim... something like one of those teams if they have room or need for a Vet.

[Echolalia]

This is all speculation, and some other speculation against him coming here or St. Louis include the fact that is wife is currently working in Texas and toward the west coast... I think she's trying to get into acting or is acting. So that would seem to indicate that he may not want to move too far east of Texas. I could see him ending up with Phoenix, Colorado, LA, Anaheim... something like one of those teams if they have room or need for a Vet.

They say Detroit is the next Hollywood!