DALLAS (AP) - Mike Modano will retire as a member of the Dallas Stars.
During a news conference Friday in Dallas to formally announce his retirement, Modano will sign a one-day contract that will list an honorary amount of $999,999 for the No. 9 he wore during his franchise-record 1,459 games over 20 seasons with the Stars.
The 41-year-old Modano will then send his retirement paperwork to the NHL.
“Mike Modano will always be the face of this franchise. He means so much to our organization and all of our fans,” said general manager Joe Nieuwendyk, also a former teammate. “We wanted to give him the opportunity to retire as a Dallas Star. Mike has given his heart and soul to this game for over 30 years. On behalf of the entire organization and the National Hockey League, we would like to thank him for his dedication.”
Modano said Wednesday that he is retiring after 21 seasons in the NHL, a career that includes a Stanley Cup championship with the Stars in 1999. His 561 goals and 1,374 points are both records for U.S.-born players.
He played his final season for his hometown Detroit Red Wings, but was limited to 40 games and four goals after a skate sliced a tendon in his right wrist.
The first overall pick by the Minnesota North Stars in 1988, Modano became the face of the franchise after it moved to Dallas in 1993. The Stars also advanced to the Stanley Cup finals in 2000.
Along with his 1,459 games, Modano holds Stars franchise records for goals (557), assists (802), points (1,359), power play goals (156), shorthanded goals (29), game-winning goals (92). He is also the Stars’ playoff leader for games played (174), goals (58), assists (87) and points (145).
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