Thoughts on Modano

Mike Heika has a story today on teams expressing an interest in Mike Modano at the trade deadline, and Modano deciding not to waive his no-trade clause.

Surprised that a few teams expressed interest?  Not really. Modano can still be a pretty effective player, would bring Stanley Cup experience and some veteran leadership to a contender. At this stage of his career he’s not going to be the guy who pushes a team over the top, but he could be a nice complementary player to a good team.

Surprised that he wasn’t interested? Not really. He said as much in January when he was asked during one of the road trips to Western Canada if he would be willing to be traded to a contender at the deadline. He’s been with the Stars franchise for more than 20 years and he’s probably going to stick with the franchise after his playing days are over, when ever that may be. Heading off somewhere else for a couple of months for a chance to do something he’s already done - win a Stanley Cup - wouldn’t make a lot of sense. He said that earlier this season and stuck to the plan when teams started expressing interest.

Sticking with one franchise an entire career is a rarity these days. It would have been strange and sad to see him in an NHL uniform other than the Stars’ and I’m glad we won’t. 

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