Dallas Stars morning notes: Mike Modano talks about his future

Mike Modano appeared on The Ticket yesterday and talked to Norm Hitzges about the team, this past season and most notably what his plans were for returning next season.

"I am going to take a step back for a long, lengthy part of the summer and see how I feel. I think time away from the game is going to help me mentally, just to kind of recharge, think things through and see where the team is heading. [The Stars] certainly have a lot of things to iron out themselves. I think establishing our farm team in Austin is one of them and getting those kids up and running and the situation there.

"For me, I am going to take some time. I am not going to be in any rush to make that decision. The game has been great to me. Mr. Hicks has been one of the best owners in sports that I’ve known and been around to play for. If they feel I am suitable to come back and contribute and I they want me back, then certainly I will take that into account."

This season has been rough on the whole team, but you know it's been especially frustrating for Modano. This was supposed to be his swan song, his last great year before retirement and instead the team had to fight and claw all year just to try and keep their heads above water. For a while it seemed as if Modano was on pace for one of the best seasons of the last half of his career, yet he has struggled along with everyone else the past few months. Modano had a team-worst minus-10 rating in March and has just eight points in his last 21 games.

We'll delve into the futures of all the veterans on the team in a few weeks, but it's not surpising to hear that Modano is uncertain of his return.

Mark Stepneski has the full audio of the interview, which can be found here.

Nashville lost last night, so the Stars are still technically alive for a playoff spot.

Technically.

Lost in the news yesterday surrounding Marty Turco, the Dallas Stars signed left winger Luke Gazdic to a three-year entry level contract.

Marty Turco is officially listed as doubtful for tonight's game against St. Louis.

Darryl Reaugh says that Dallas Stars fans should root for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the playoffs, since Ken Hitchcock has turned them into his own version of the Stars.

Dave Tippet could be on the bench (as a coach) for Team Canada.

And just to pour a bit of salt in the wounds, Razor takes a look at what our lines could have been had we not had any injuries, didn't sign Sean Avery, didn't lose Hagman to free agency and didn't lose Crombeen to waivers:

Morrow -- Ribeiro -- Lehtinen
Neal -- Richards -- Eriksson
Hagman -- Modano -- Brunnstrom
Barch -- Ott -- Crombeen

Niskanen -- Zubov
Sydor -- Robidas
Daley -- Grossman