This saga has been dragging on forever, and honestly has me online everyday specifically looking to see any updates. Now Modano seems to have some very specific stipulations to play with another team. My question would be with the Red Wing talk seemingly died off is it seeming more realistic day in day out that he will probably just retire?!?!? And do you think maybe that is what he really wants and has maybe subconciously set his demands to high? Or do you think as we get closer to the season he will just end up signing whatever contract anyone is willing to give him. 

If Modano does end up signing a low-salary deal with the understanding that he is going to have a small role, does it beg the question maybe Nieuwy shouldn't have come right out and said he wouldn't sign Modano. If it came down to it wouldn`t Modano rather sign with Dallas in that small role probably playing the wing. I understand at some point Dallas has to move on from Mike but I think he still has a desire to play and you might see a rekindled fire if the Stars could fight for a playoff spot and that. I would rather see him patrolling a 3rd or 4th line wing than Barch. 

I know this is all old talk and I might as well be beating a dead horse instead of writing this, but that is the doldrums of hockey in July when your ball team sucks (Mariners fan from Canada not a Rangers fan). I still fully support Joe and do not envy the tough decisions he has had to make given the restraints on him. Mike I think didn`t exactly give Joe much of a choice in that regard because if he REALLY REALLY wanted to finish his career only playing for the Stars he would have A) held back his desire to play and just retired, or B) Told Joe he would sign any contract he offered him and played any position or role that was available.