The End of an Icon

Mike Modano has been told that he is no longer welcome as a player, but would be welcomed back if he wants to go into management. There is only one problem: Modano can still play.

He is not the 50 goal scorer he was in the early 90s, but he is the perfect 3rd line center. He plays solid defense, and he can score.

I get it. The Dallas Stars are trying to get younger and are working on a budget. My main question is, how do you market this team? They are gonna stink, and they need to rebuild, and are on a budget(thanks again Tom Hicks). But Mike Modano has been the face on the franchise, and sold hockey in this football town. Now, with the exception of the Cowboys, The Stars fans are the most loyal.

But if Modano thinks he can still play, then why not let him play here. How awkward was it so see Tony Dorsett in a Bronco's uniform, or even Emmitt Smith in a Cardinal's uniform. I will not like the site of Modano wearing a Red Wing's sweater, or a Capital's sweater.

To put his impact into perspective, if you made a Mount Rushmore of Dallas Sports, who would be on it. Emmitt, Troy, Roger, Dirk and Mike. If you ask 99% of sports' fans in the DFW area to name a Dallas Star, the first name out of their mouth is Mike Modano.

I think the Stars are doing a major injustice the the greatest American born player in NHL history. You could easily market Mike and the young guys. And who better to mentor the young guys than Mike. He could teach them about loyalty, respect, and how to score. The sure fire first ballot Hall of Famer deserves the right to decide when he is done playing and the Dallas Stars should show him the same respect by letting him continue his career here. It was just 3 years ago when Modano took a pay cut so the Stars could sign players. He has done everything the team has ever asked, and you are telling him, " Thanks, but go away."

I think eventually Modano will come back and work in the Stars' front office, but under a new owner, and if he keeps making these crappy decisions, a new GM. Joe, I like you, but this was a bad move on your part.

Mike, I think I speak for every Stars' fan when I say thank you very much for everything you did for this franchise. You played the game the right way, and it was a honor to call you our guy. Good Luck.

As always, if you like it or don't, let me here from you, john@bigbadsportsdaddy.com

Peace out.