"Just being in the same room with the guys and practicing with them, facing their shots and the speed they are playing at - it was a big change for me," said Beskorowany. "Traveling with Idaho for an entire week to Utah for the playoffs, that was good to see what it was all about. The per diem, not having someone to cook for you and not having someone to clean up after you. It's a change from junior to the next level, so it was good for me. It was an eye opener for next year."

Beskorowany's final season in juniors also turned out to be good preparation his turning pro. He played in 62 of his team's 68 games during the regular season, registering a 29-25-4 record, a 3.52 goals against average and .903 save percentage. He ranked second in the league in games played and minutes, and first in shots against.

"I got a lot of ice time and saw a lot of rubber," said Beskorowany. "It helped my development a lot for coming here, getting used to the shots and the mentality that I going to have to face when I get here."

That increased ice time came as the result of an offseason trade last summer that sent him from Owen Sound in the OHL, where he had been splitting time with New Rangers prospect Scott Stajcer, to the Kingston Frontenacs, where he was the clear cut No.1 guy in net.

"I didn't have that person looking over my shoulder, wondering is he coming in or worrying about who is starting tonight and all that kind of stuff. It was nice.," said Beskorowany. "And I learned a lot from Doug Gilmour being my coach. He taught me a lot about the pro mentality of the game and preparing myself for all that. It was definitely a good move for me."

And now Beskorowany, who has been in Frisco over the past week for the Stars development camp, is ready for the next move in his career, which is to the professional ranks. The Stars are high on the 2nd round pick (59th overall) from the 2008 NHL Draft.

"He's a guy with a ton of potential. We're lucky. We've got some big goaltenders that are very athletic and competitive, and Tyler is very much the same," said Stars goaltending coach Mike Valley. "He's got a great opportunity within this organization. He's going to be a first year pro and it's going to take a little bit to adapt, but he has the mental maturity and he has all the tools that it should be a smooth transition."

Beskorowany will get a chance to compete for a job with the Texas Stars of the AHL, but he's expected to start his career with Idaho in ECHL.

"That's a good place for him," said Les Jackson, Stars Director of Scouting and Player Development. "He can get the net every night."

Beskorowany will come into Stars training camp with a good shot of confidence and some experience under his belt. He played well at camp last year and at the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City as well. That helped him earn an entry-level contract last September.

"One more year wiser and know a little more about what to expect," he said. "Not much has changed over the year. Mike Valley is still around to help me out, which is good. That one year has helped me develop and get better and stronger for this year."

"It went pretty good. It was kind of my first year," Bergin said after a workout at the Stars development camp in Frisco. "I redshirted by first year because of shoulder surgery. It was tough to get back into it the first couple of games, but once I got going I felt like myself again."

There was another bump in the road injury-wise last season.

"I was out for about a month and that wasn't fun," he said. "But I took my time getting back."

The Engineers were 2-6-0 with Bergin, one of their top defensemen, out of the lineup.

The Stars like the progress Bergin, who is 6-3, 200 pounds and a left shot, has made in the two years since his selection in the draft.

"Mike has made some real good strides. He's a big guy and he's got some puck skills," said Les Jackson, Stars Director of Scouting and Player Development. "He's a kid that was drafted late, but he looks like he has a chance to go ahead."

When the Stars drafted Bergin they liked his skating, puck skills and offensive upside. Bergin thinks he's been making strides on the other side of the puck.

"I'm turning into a two-way defenseman. I'm more responsible in my own zone and I've started playing on the PK there," said Bergin. "They have a lot of trust in me defensively, so I playing against top lines there. I think my skating is my best attribute."

This isn't Bergin's first appearance at a Stars' development camp. He was in Frisco at the 2008 camp and sees the camps as a good opportunity.

"It's really good. You get to work on a lot of stickhandling and creativity stuff that as a defenseman you don't get to work on throughout the winter, so it's really good to get back in tune with those skills. It's been a lot of fun."

It's hard not to notice the Quebec native. He's big. He's personable. And he speaks English well for someone who just started learning the language three years ago.

Chiasson was a second round pick (38th overall) in 2009 and the Stars like what they have in the big right wing, who was listed at 6-4, 195 pounds by Boston University.

"Looking at his raw material he has a chance to be a good player," said Les Jackson, Stars Director of Scouting and Player Development. "It's just a matter of getting through the development part. He's pretty impressive. ... You look at the physical attributes and his attitude, he's got it all. He just needs to pull it together."

Chiasson, ranked 5th among Stars' prospects by The Hockey News earlier this year, had a solid freshman season at Boston University. Playing for one of the top programs in the country, he registered 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists) and a plus-five rating in 35 games, leading the Terriers in rookie scoring.

"It went pretty well. It was a good learning experience for me as a freshman," said Chiasson. "There were older guys I got to learn from like [Nick] Bonino and [Kevin] Shattenkirk, who will be playing in the NHL in the future. It was a good year and looking forward to next year and a bigger role and more ice time."

Chances are Chiasson will go through a full four years of eligibility at Boston University and that's OK with him. It will help will his development as a hockey player, and Chiasson, who is a business major, puts a high value on the education he'll be getting.

"I was always a good student in school. I got A's and B's and I thought college would be the best experience for me," Chiasson said after an on-ice session at the Stars development camp in Frisco. "You never know with hockey, if it doesn't work out you need a Plan B. Obviously, I want to be a professional hockey player but you never know what is going to happen."

The decision to go the college route has led to him move from Quebec and play hockey at Northwood Prep in Lake Placid, NY and spend one season in the United States Hockey League with the Des Moines Buccaneers. That paved the path to Boston University, where right now Chiasson is happy on the hockey side and just happy with college life in general.

"It's amazing, going to school," said Chiasson. "BU is a great school and Boston is a great city. I live right by Fenway Park and get to go to a couple games. It's a great experience. My parents come see me some weekends and there is stuff to do every weekend. It's great."

Guptill was ranked 99th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. The Red Line Report had him ranked 159th overall and International Scouting Services had him 164th overall.

But the Stars had him ranked much higher on their list, were able to move down in the third round, acquire fourth round pick in the process and still get the guy they wanted, and that was Guptill.

"He's a big guy that has a real good foundation of skating, skill, offensive touch," said Les Jackson, the Stars Director of Scouting and Player Development. "This kid is an impressive young player."

Guptill knew he was on the Stars' radar. He met with the team psychologist and had lunch with Director of Amateur Scouting Tim Bernhardt a month prior to the draft. Guptill said the meeting with the psychologist was different.

"I did some other personality tests, but that was the first psych test I did. It was interesting," Guptill said. "Looked at some pictures and stuff. It was kind of weird things and you wouldn't expect them to tie it to hockey, but they actually did and explained it to me."

From wondering if he might get drafted at all, Guptill is currently in Frisco attending the Stars' summer development camp with several other top Dallas prospects. He's considered a highly skilled player with a good scoring touch. He considers his speed his best asset.

I am a speedy winger. I am not afraid to mix it up, hit and fight. But everything comes off my speed, my chances and I think I pick up a lot of assists driving the net and guys picking up loose pucks, said Guptill, who lists bulking up and working on his defensive game as two areas he needs to work on moving forward.

The 18-year-old left wing played last season in the Central Canadian Hockey League. He missed time at the beginning of the season due to a broken wrist, but ended up scoring 19 goals and 18 assists in 29 games while playing for both Brampton and Orangeville in the CCHL.

As of now the plan is for Guptill to spend next season in the United States Hockey League, where he would play for Waterloo. The USHL is a step up from the Tier II Jr. A hockey he played last season, and he has his sights on being an impact player.

"I am looking to go in there and be one of the main guys in the league and be one of the top goal scorers," said Guptill. "Definitely I've got high goals for myself next year. It's another step in the ladder."

And the next step after that is the University of Michigan, where he is scheduled to attend starting in the fall of 2011.

"It's a great program," he said. "Lots of NHL players come out of there."

Nemeth looks to be more offensive

The Stars believe defenseman Patrik Nemeth, the team's 2nd round pick (41st overall) in last month's draft, has some untapped offensive potential, and Nemeth would like to tap into that.

"I am a little bit more  of defensive defenseman than I am offensive. I play simple and hard, and I am a tough guy to play against and I am a physical player," Nemeth said after an on-ice work out at the Stars development camp in Frisco. "I think I have some offensive skills but I want to work more on them."

Nemeth, who will play for AIK in the Swedish Elite League next season, said there's an NHL player he tries to model his game after, and that player has something that would help his offensive game.

"I play a bit like Shea Weber, but I don't have the shot yet," Nemeth said with a laugh. "I am going to work on that. Everything else, I play like him."

"It was an unreal feeling," said Vincour. I was sitting in there with Mike Modano, maybe that's the last time I see him. Brenden Morrow, Mike Ribeiro, Brad Richards. It was just an unbelievable feeling. You see those guys only on TV, especially when you're young. You're like, 'Oh my God.' You get to meet them and figure out they are great guys, great guys."

He followed that experience up with a solid season in the WHL, where he had 29 goals and 19 assists in 57 games for both Edmonton and Vancouver. Midway through the season he got traded from the struggling Edmonton team he joined as a 16-year-old to the Vancouver Giants, one of the top teams in the WHL.

That gave him a chance to play under highly respected coach Don Hay, and it also gave him a chance to play in the WHL playoffs, where he had 7 goals and 7 assists in 15 games.

"The Vancouver Giants are a great organization and Don Hay is a great coach. There were great guys in the room. I was real happy with the trade, and we got to play in the playoffs," said Vincour. "I tried to learn how to be a good two-way player, and how being good on defense can help create offense. It was great, and important for me to play there."

This coming season Vincour will come into training camp on a three-year entry-level deal as he embarks on his professional career. Chances are he'll start in Cedar Park with the Texas Stars.

"I suspect he is going to move right into Austin and be an impact player for us," said Les Jackson, Stars Director of Scouting and Player Development. "He's a great kid and he has a great set of hands. There are some things he needs to develop, but that's pretty normal. He's on the right track. He's got the right attitude and he's hungry. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets some games (in the NHL). He's a pretty talented kid."

Vincour isn't setting his sights on Cedar Park or the AHL right now. He's focused on going to Dallas Stars training camp and making a strong impression as he continues his quest to make it to the NHL.

"It's all how I prepare for the coming season," he said. "I've still got two months. I am going to Edmonton and work with my trainer and see how ready I will be for the main camp here."

Vincour, who is listed at 6-2, 199 pounds, is projected as a power forward. He played on a smaller, North American sized rink in Czech Republic and that fits his style of play, which is more of a physical, North American game.

"There was a rink across the street from my school and the rink was small, like the rinks here," he said. "Basically I grew up on the small rink and that's why I like it better."

He said leaving his family and his native land to come over to North America was tough at first, as he struggled to learn the language and the culture. But doing all that was part of the price of furthering his hockey career. So far so good for Vincour, who is on the verge of another step as he becomes a pro hockey player in North America.

"I wanted to try and if I couldn't, I could tell myself that at least I tried and wasn't good enough for it," Vincour said. "After I've tried it I think I am good enough to be in this room right now."

“We’re very excited to start our 2010 Training Camp in Charlottetown, PEI,” said Stars Assistant General Manager Frank Provenzano. “Clifford Lee and Wayne Long worked very hard to put this deal together. We are really looking forward to bringing the Dallas Stars to PEI.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our city,” said Mayor Clifford Lee. “Charlottetown is an award-winning and internationally recognized event hosting destination. Today’s exciting announcement further reinforces our position in the event attraction market place. Our community looks forward to welcoming the Dallas Stars and extending our warm hospitality.”

The Stars will arrive on September 17 and then hold their first practice on September 18. There will also be intrasquad scrimmage at the Charlottetown Civic Centre on September 19. The Stars will also skate in PEI on September 20, before heading back to Dallas for a preseason game on September 21.

Free agent notes: Peters signs with Minnesota, Climie agrees to terms with Phoenix

Two Dallas unrestricted free agents, who were key players for the Texas Stars, have found new places to play next season.

Goalie Matt Climie has agreed to a one-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes and center Warren Peters has signed a two-year deal with the Minnesota Wild.

Quotable: Valley on Raycroft signing

"We're getting a guy with a lot of experience and it's going to be great to have that competition. We didn't re-sign Matt Climie, so I think the opportunity is equally as good between Raycroft and [Brent] Krahn as to who is going to grab that back up position. That competition becomes so important because it makes each guy push that much harder. Obviously, Raycroft has had some success in the NHL. It's going to be a great opportunity for him. I am excited to have him in."

Stars goaltending coach Mike Valley on the signing of goaltender Andrew Raycroft

The abrasive Burish is expected to bolster the Stars' lower lines.

"I've always liked Adam Burish," said Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk. "There are guys in this league you notice because they are not fun to play against. Adam Burish is one of those guys. One of things I like about him is he able to take faceoffs, he can play center or wing, he's a right hand shot and he has real good speed. ... I think he'll help push the pace in our bottom grouping and he has the ability to play up the lineup."

Burish, who is 6-0, 190 pounds, missed a good part of last season with an ACL injury, but played 15 games in the playoffs for the Blackhawks. He has 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) and 323 penalty minutes in 169 career NHL games.

The 27-year-old hit the free agent market for the first time in his career and said Nieuwendyk was the first GM to call, which went a long way in helping him make a decision where to sign.

"You want to go somewhere where people want you," said Burish. "I talked to a couple of teams and I talked to my Dad and he said, 'I can hear in your voice you want to go to Dallas.' The last four years I loved coming to Dallas, loved playing in Dallas and hated playing against the Stars because they were always hard to play against for some reason. Now I am going to be happy to play with those guys."

After the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, the Burish had some harsh postgame comments for Philadelphia defenseman Chris Pronger. Burish said he regrets all that, but he said he'll continue to be an in-your face kind of guy on the ice.

"The way I play the game, I am confrontational, I want to be in your face and I want to be hard to play against," Burish said. "When the game is done I want them to say I hated to play against Burish. I can't stand playing against that guy. Then I'll know I've done my job. I like to have that in my game. I think I can contribute offensively as well, but you've got to have a balance. You got to play on the edge. I enjoy playing on the edge. I love the way Steve Ott plays. I think he does a great job of it. You have to walk a fine line where you don't put your team in a tough spot. 

"But I am going to go through a wall for these guys. If that means I've got to go through somebody, I'll go through somebody. I'm the kind of guy where if I have to block a shot with my face, I'll do it. I think that can be contagious on a team.''

Raycroft, who played in Vancouver last season, got a two-way contract for the 2010-11 that will pay him $700,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 if he plays in the NHL. In 2011-12 he gets a one-way contract for $600,000.

With Matt Climie exploring his options in unrestricted free agency, the Stars were in the market for another goaltender to compete with Brent Krahn for the backup job in Dallas.

"We wanted to get a veteran backup in here either with Austin or with our club," said Nieuwendyk. "Our number one goal is to have competition for our backup position and that's what we've created, not just in training camp but all throughout the year.

Raycroft, 30, has played 251 NHL games, posting a 103-101-27, 2.87 goals against average and a .900 save percentage.

"He's still eager. I think that he has NHL experience is important," said Nieuwendyk. "He's played with [Roberto] Luongo and other top goaltenders. I think it was important to have a veteran guy who can help us out with both clubs."

Raycroft played 21 games with the Canucks last season, going 9-5-1 with a 2.42 goals against average and a .911 save percentage. He's been a No.1 before as well, playing 72 games with Toronto in 2006-07. But he's ready to come in compete for a job in September.

"There's going to be competition in camp. It's really no different than every other year. I was in the same kind of situation last year in Vancouver," Raycroft said. "I'm looking forward to having a good rest of the summer and getting in there in September. ... I believe I have a lot of playing left and a lot of experience behind me that could go a long way."

Stars sign two defenseman

The Stars signed two defenseman Thursday. They signed Severin Blindenbacher to a one-year entry-level contract and defenseman Jace Coyle to a three-year entry-level contract.

Blindenbacher, a 27-year-old right shot, played in the Swedish Elite League last season, registering 19 points (8 goals, 11 assists) in 48 games. He also played for Switzerland at the 2010 Olympics, picking up 1 goal and 1 assist in 5 games.

"Severin is a good skater, moves the puck well and makes smart decisions in all zones," Nieuwendyk said. "We hope that he can push some of our guys and add some depth to our roster."

Blindenbacher, who is 5-11, 194 pounds, also played for the Swiss at the 2006 Olympics and has represented his country several times at the World Championship.

Coyle, who signed a three-year entry-level deal, had 46 points (10 goals, 36 assists) with Medicine Hat of the WHL last season. The 5-11, 180 pound defenseman is taking part in the Stars development camp, which got underway Thursday in Frisco.

Door still open on Lehtinen

GM Joe Nieuwendyk said the signing of Adam Burish did not close the door on the Stars possibly signing unrestricted free agent Jere Lehtinen.

"This doesn't close the door on Lehts by any means," Nieuwendyk said. "And I've already indicated that to him."

The Stars are still waiting to see if Lehtinen wants to play another season.

Nieuwendyk also said that the signing of Raycroft does close the door on Matt Climie returning. Climie is an unrestricted free agent.

Now, the question for Modano is to play or not to play.

"Those are decisions to be made in the next couple weeks. I think once the free agent market opens up I think I'll have a little better understanding of where I fit in or place with other teams or other options," Modano said. "First and foremost is getting a firm answer on whether or not to play. I think that is still up in the air like everybody knows."

Modano, who hits the market as an unrestricted free agent, indicated that if he did play another season he might lean towards a team in the Western Conference, where he's played his entire career. He did admit, however, that wearing a different uniform and playing in a different city would take some adjustment.

"That's probably the most difficult decision I have had to make. I've been fortunate to be here a long time. To possibly have wear a different jersey doesn't seem right to me, but that's going to have to be the way it is if I want to continue to play," he said. "I just have to look at their situation as a team, how I fit in, their personnel and see if it's a comfortable situation for both sides and their players, knowing that an older player is coming in to possibly take a younger player's position. I guess you have to walk a fine line there." 

Modano said landing with a team that has potential for success is more important than what kind of role he may have in the lineup.

"I think my role doesn't really have a major impact on my decision. I think you want to have a successful team, a team you feel could go deep in the playoffs. I think that is one factor in it, to make one last run at it," said Modano. "There's nothing like going three or four rounds deep in the playoffs. I was asked to do that with Washington and possibly Philly or Boston at the trade deadline. Those were three options. I was thinking Washington and then other two (go deep) and Philly makes the Finals.

"You never know what can happen. The Stars were only a point out of the playoffs at that point, so I felt there was still a chance to get in and make some waves. As far as my role, I know it's going to be similar to what it was last year, so I can accept that."

As for the parting of the way with the Stars, Modano said he was upset and disappointed at how things turned out, but not at anyone in particular.

"I just think ultimately having to make that decision. I don't think there is anyone personally I am upset or disappointed with. I would have loved to seen it work its way out here," Modano said. "In no way am I upset with Tom (Hicks) or Joe. They've been fantastic. I can't thank Tom enough for the opportunity he has given me with this team and this town over and over again, and stepping in five years ago to make sure I didn't leave when I had the opportunity to do so. There's no one I am personally upset with. It was just upsetting and disappointing that it didn't work out."

Quotable

"I want to thank the fans, they've meant the most to me. They really inspire us to be better players and put the pressure on us to perform well. Through good and bad experiences they've been nothing but great. We've found new hockey fans here in Dallas. We've created a fan base here, frankly, that I didn't think was ever going to be possible leaving Minnesota, where hockey is like football in Texas."

Mike Modano

"Barchy is a guy who I think is a strong leader and an important guy without a guy like Mike (Modano) in the locker room," said Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk.

Wathier had 40 points (19 goals, 21 assists) and 101 penalty minutes in 76 games with the Texas Stars last season. He also made his NHL debut with the Dallas Stars, picking up no points and five penalty minutes in five games.

According to Capgeek.com, his contract calls for an NHL level salary of $550,000 in 2010-11 and $600,000 in 2011-12. He'll make $75,000 in the minors in first year of the deal and $85,000 in the minors in the second year of the deal.

Wathier, a sixth-round pick (185th overall) in 2003, has played 240 career AHL games, registering 41 goals, 38 assists and 349 penalty minutes.

Free agency opens Thursday

NHL free agency opens Thursday at 11 am CT. Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said the team will take to unrestricted free agents on the market but that the team does not expect to make any kind of big splash.

"I think it's safe to say we are not going to be a big player just like we weren't last year," Nieuwendyk said. "Even though July 1 is a deadline there are summer months ahead where general managers are continually talking and if we can do something that would make sense and improve our hockey club, then we would certainly do it."

Stars' free agents

With the signing of Krys Barch this week the Stars are down to one key unrestricted free agent from last season and that's right wing Jere Lehtinen.

Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said the team continues to wait for Lehtinen to decide if he is going to continue to play and as of right now, Lehtinen hasn't reached a decision.

"I communicated with Jere right before he went back to Finland and I sent him an e-mail [Monday] night. We do stay in touch," Nieuwendyk said. "In his mind, he's no closer to making a decision on this."

The Stars have four key restricted free agents in LW James Neal, D Nicklas Grossman, D Matt Niskanen and RW Fabian Brunnstrom.

The league will release the official list of free agents on Thursday, but here's an official list of the team's free agents.

Stars development opens Thursday

The Stars open a week-long development camp on Thursday. There is one on-ice session, which runs from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter in Frisco. All on-ice sessions are open to the public.

Quotable

"With Mike (Modano) not being there now, Fabian could be an important part going forward. We'll see where we go contract-wise or on a qualifying offer, but he is a guy that at the end of the day has skill and size. I know he didn't show it last year, but I suspect - and he said it to me - 'I'm going to come in here and show people.' He said in the meeting I had with him at the end of the year, 'Joe, I learned a lot this year.' I thought that was quite amazing from a guy who had a tough year. To have his skill around with Mike going out is not a bad thing."

Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk on restricted free agent Fabian Brunnstrom
 

Modano told ESPN Dallas he's still up in the air if he's going to play for another team. He did say he was disappointed with not being able to continue as a Dallas Star.

“I always thought there would be an outside chance of something happening here,” Modano told ESPN Dallas. “The dialogue that Joe and I have had going on for about a month and a half led me to believe I needed to prepare for things not happening. But when it’s here and reality sets in, it’s disappointing. I didn’t think it would happen. I was told some years ago that I’d be able to decide when I wanted to stop playing. But that was verbally and things change.”

At a Tuesday afternoon news conference at American Airlines Center, Nieuwendyk acknowledged it wasn't an easy call to make.

"I realized taking this job I was going to be faced with difficult decisions. I've had to face some very tough decisions because I’ve played with some of these guys. They are my friends. Marty Turco was another one," Nieuwendyk said. "I have to do what I fee like is necessary in all my years of experience in order for this team to get better and grow. The strength of our team is with our youth pushing forward. We have to try to find the next Mike Modano. We're never going to find the same Mike Modano, but we have some good young players who are going to push it to the next level."

Nieuwendyk said that he believes it is time for the Stars to move forward with some of their younger players, especially at the center position where the Stars have strong depth.

“That's really the strength of our team," Nieuwendyk said. "We have [Brad] Richards and [Mike] Ribeiro. We used Jamie Benn at center, which which like as well, and Steve Ott can play center. The guy who everyone forgets about is Tom Wandell. It will be great to have him back this year. The depth is clearly there."

Modano, who is the franchise leader is just about every offensive statistical category, has been with the organization for 22 years. He's been labeled the "face of the franchise," for his ability to help sell the game to fans in the Dallas area. But Nieuwendyk had less to do with marketing and more with the team's on-ice product.

"My job is on the ice," Nieuwendyk said. "I realize the impact Mike has on this franchise from a selling point. You’re not going to replace Mike Modano. He's been a special person and a special player for so many years in Dallas. But like all great players, at some point you have to turn the page. I feel like it’s time we turn the page."

The Stars GM said that decision turn the page came after many discussions with Modano that began during the past season and into the offseason.

"It's been a gradual thing," Nieuwendyk said of his decision making process. "I think I gave him the respect of taking time after the season. He deserves that. This is the time of the year where we the season past, what will make us better, what direction we want to go and where we are going from here."

Tuesday's announcement isn't a total surprise. Modano indicated in interviews last week that he felt the Stars were moving in a different direction and said he sensed that he didn't fit into those plans. If Modano decides to play another season he will have to do it with another team.

"I respect the fact that Mike wants to continue to play," said Nieuwendyk. "I've been there, done that. I was 40-years-old and playing and it's a tough decision. It really is. It's hard."

Nieuwendyk said he thinks Modano can still be an effective player, but his role with the Stars wasn't a good fit.

"We see him skating out there and playing on the power play and he's certainly capable of playing. Mike is a talent. There is no question about it," Nieuwendyk said. "The role we had him in - mostly on the fourth line - doesn’t really satisfy him, and he'll be the first to tell you that. With Wandell coming back and some of the young players that we have, I’m not so sure the role would have been better or increased."

As for a possible role for Modano within the organization, possibly in the front office, Nieuwendyk said that will have to wait until the team's ownership situation is resolved.

"I'll be the first guy to knock on the new owner's door and pump the tires for Mike Modano, how important he is to our franchise," Nieuwendyk said. "If he decides to go play for another team, I'll support him on that, too. I think everybody agrees that when he is done, he's always going to be a Dallas Star and the door's always going to be open for him."

Modano isn't the only big name Star will who will be leaving via free agency this summer. Just after the season ended Nieuwendyk announced that the team would not bring back longtime No.1 starting goaltender Marty Turco.

All on-ice sessions will be open to the public.

Camp schedule

Camp roster

Barch, who had six assists and 130 penalty minutes in 63 games for the Stars this past season, was in the final year of two-year contract.

Contract talks between the Stars and Barch seemed to be at a standstill, but Monday night Barch's agent, Scott Norton, put out on a message on Twitter that said: "BIG news coming tomorrow for client Krys Barch of the @DallasStars!"

Here's a look at the status of the Stars contract situation for 2010-11. The Stars are expected to have a budget of about $45 million in payroll and right now - with the Barch deal - they have 17 likely roster players under contract with about $38.3 million in salary committed to those players.

They still have four restricted free agents - D Nicklas Grossman, D Matt Niskanen, LW James Neal and RW Fabian Brunnstrom. They still have to make decisions on pending unrestricted free agents Mike Modano and Jere Lehtinen. There is also a slot for a backup goaltender.

Note: The figures below are salaries and not cap costs.

No progress on Climie talks

Scott Norton, who is the agent for Stars goalie Matt Climie, said Monday night there has been no progress in talks between the team and Climie, who for now appears to be headed towards unrestricted free agency on Thursday. 

Turco reportedly turns down early offer from Flyers

Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren is a guy who likes to get a jump on the free agent market and he tried to shore up his goaltending position by taking a run at Stars goaltender Marty Turco, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Thursday.

Holmgren received permission from the Stars to talk to Turco and - according to ESPN's E.J. Hradek - made a three-year offer at slightly more than two million per season. ESPN reported Turco, who made $5.4 million last season, turned down the offer and will opt to test the market on July 1.

Both the Philadelphia Inquirer and Comcast Sports in Philadelphia - citing sources - said the Flyers did not make an offer to Turco.

The Stars announced in April that they would not sign Turco, who had been the team's No. 1 goalie since the 2002-03 season.

Holmgren also made a pitch for Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov, offering a 7th round pick in 2011 to San Jose if they could get Nabokov signed before he hit the market on Thursday. Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia reported that it appears unlikely the Flyers will be able to get that deal done.

Nabokov and Turco are considered two of the top goalies on the market this summer.

The Flyers' also made a bid to get defenseman Dan Hamhuis before he hit the free agent market, but that fizzled. Holmgren traded defenseman Ryan Parent to Nashville for Hamhuis' rights, but couldn't work out a contract and ended up trading Hamhuis' rights to Pittsburgh for a 3rd round pick in 2011 over the weekend.

Notes

• NHL Revenues are expected to top $2.7 billion for the 2009-10 season, according to a report in Monday's Street and Smith's Sports Journal. That's a 3.1 percent increase over last season, and a 28.6 percent increase in the five seasons the since the lockout of 2004-05.
   
• The Stars are scheduled to hold a development camp the club's prospects in Frisco beginning this week. Some of the team's draft picks from this past weekend are expected to attend. A roster and schedule should be released by the team soon.

"He's a good two-way guy. I think his strength is without the puck, but he's a good first pass. He manages the blue line well offensively. He needs some work, but he has a good foundation."

Les Jackson, Stars Director of Scouting and Player Development

"He's a two-way defenseman and he has some bite to his game. He's a good skater, mobile and moves the puck with ease. Big guy that needs some time to fill out."

Rickard Oquist, Dallas Stars scout