DALLAS — If Mike Modano plays a 21st season in the NHL, it won’t be with the Stars.
The face of the franchise that proved hockey could thrive in the South will not be offered a contract by Dallas when free agency opens Thursday. That difficult decision had to be made by Modano’s teammate- turned-boss, Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk.
Now the NHL’s highest- scoring U.S.-born player must decide whether to put on something other than a Stars sweater for the first time.
“I’m leaning toward playing,” Modano told The Associated Press after the Stars made their announcement Tuesday. “It certainly depends where and what teams are interested.”
Nieuwendyk said the team needs to make room for younger players in trying to rebuild.
Kostitsyn dealt to Nashville
MONTREAL — Sergei Kostitsyn’s tumultuous stint with the Canadiens ended when the forward was traded to the Predators.
Montreal is getting forward Dustin Boyd, goalie Dan Ellis and future considerations from Nashville. The Predators are also receiving future considerations from Montreal.
Kostitsyn, who had seven goals and 11 assists in 47 regular-season games last season, refused to accept a demotion to Hamilton of the AHL at the start of the season, requested a trade, and eventually joined the Bulldogs. He later walked out on them.
Footnotes.
The Senators are buying out the final year of forward Jonathan Cheechoo’s contract.
Cheechoo was set to earn $3.5 million next season. After he cleared waivers, Ottawa was allowed to buy him out.
• Former all-star Adam Oates is filling the final assistant spot on John MacLean’s coaching staff with the Devils.
The Associated Press
