DALLAS — Since he couldn’t stay in Dallas and wasn’t ready for retirement, Mike Modano made the logical choice: He’s going home.
The native of suburban Detroit and the Red Wings agreed to a one- year deal worth about $1.25 million.
The 40-year-old forward played 20 seasons for the Minnesota-Dallas franchise and is the leading scorer among U.S.-born players in NHL history with 557 goals. The Stars made the tough decision not to re-sign him in late June, and he’s spent the last five weeks trying to figure out his next move.
“It was a lot of back and forth internally, but I ultimately decided I wasn’t ready to hang up the skates so I’m going to Detroit,” he said.
Modano, expected to center the team’s third line, has always worn No. 9, but that number was retired by Detroit to honor Gordie Howe.
“I haven’t decided yet,” he said. “I’ve got a few ideas in mind though.”
• Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger is recovering from minor surgery on his right knee and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in September.
• The St. Louis Blues re-signed Erik Johnson to a two-year contract. Johnson led Blues defensemen in points (39), goals (10), assists (29) and shots (186) last season.
• The New York Islanders agreed to terms on a one-year contract with winger Jon Sim.
• Russian winger Igor Makarov signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Gundy mulling punishment
STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy said two players who were arrested before training camp — defensive end Jamie Blatnick and safety Victor Johnson — will face repercussions but he’s continuing to gather information before deciding on punishments.
Blatnick, who started seven games last season, has been charged with felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after a bar fight Saturday. Johnson, who started twice last season, faces misdemeanor charges for allegedly driving drunk in June and having marijuana at his campus apartment.
• Tennessee coach Derek Dooley reinstated linebacker Greg King and sophomore defensive tackle Marlon Walls after a July bar brawl that left an off-duty police officer seriously injured.
Footnotes.
U.S. assistant coach Mike D’Antoni will miss the world championships this month in Turkey because of a back injury and be replaced by Toronto Raptors coach Jay Triano.
• Former Olympic champion Justin Gatlin won a 100-meter race in 10.24 seconds in Rakvere, Estonia, in his first competition after a four-year doping ban.
• Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Clint Mathis, a former member of the Colorado Rapids, is expected to announce his retirement from soccer Saturday.
• Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad is scheduled to have surgery today to repair bilateral abdominal strains. He is expected to return to action in 10-20 days.
• Michigan State said guard Chris Allen won’t return to the basketball team for the 2010-11 season for failing “to meet all his obligations to the program.”
Denver Post wire services
