Five for Fighting

Nieuwnedyk speaks on several other subjects

While we have been overrun with the Mike Modano talk these days, there are other issues coming up with free agency opening on Thursday. Here is Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk on several subjects:

On where the Stars stand in terms of going after unrestricted free agents:

``It's safe to say we're not going to be a big player in free agency, just as we weren't last year. But even though July 1 is the deadline, if we can do something that makes sense (later) we'll do it.''

How are negotiations going with restricted free agents James Neal and Nicklas Grossman:

``We're continuing talking to Neal and Grossman's agents. Those are important issues. But again, it has to make sense, and certainly you don't want to overpay. James Neal, we feel is going to be a big part of it, but we want to make sure we do the right thing, much like Loui Eriksson where we did a bridge contract. And with Grossi, as well, we view him as an important part and we have to find common ground.''

Do you worry about a restricted free agent offer sheet for James Neal? They have been rare, but he is the type of player that a team could target:

``They have been rare, and I realize that threat potentially is there, but it certainly doesn't stop us from doing what's right.''

How are talks going with Jere Lehtinen. Is he closer to a decision on retiring or not:

``I communicated with Jere right before he went back to Finland and I sent him an e-mail last night. In his mind, he's no closer to making a decision on this. Maybe now that we're into July, he might feel better.''

How about the decision to sign enforcer Krys Barch to a two-year contract extension:

``Well, Barchy is a guy I felt strongly about. Barchy is a guy who I think is a strong leader and will be important going forward without a guy like Mike (Modano) in the locker room.''

Do you have a philosophy in your system? You have given raises to players like Toby Petersen, Brian Sutherby and Barch when you have 22-year-old players who could play in their positions for league minimum. Is that a trend?

``Ideally, we'd like to get to the point where we have a stockpile of young prospects who can take those positions, but we aren't there yet. And if you go to free agency, you risk overpaying. With the guys we have we know the type of character they have and we know they are top quality people, and we like those type of people in our locker room.''

Where do you see Fabian Brunnstrom fitting in this year?

``I had a terrific meeting with Fabian at the end of the year. I know it was a difficult situation for him, but he is a guy at the end of the day who has skill and has size. I know he didn't show it last year, but he said it to me, `I'm going to come in here and show people.' To have his skill around, and with Mike (Modano) going out, it's not a bad thing.''

Stars sign tough guys Barch, Wathier

Here are the two press releases:

DALLAS STARS SIGN KRYS BARCH TO TWO-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

Frisco, Tex. - Dallas Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk announced today that the hockey club has signed forward Krys Barch to a two-year contract extension worth $1.675 million ($825,000 first; $850,000 second). This extension puts Barch under contract through the 2011-12 season.

"Krys Barch is a competitive player who adds character, grit and toughness to our hockey club," Nieuwendyk said. "He gives everything he has each night and we are pleased to have him back for two more years."

Barch, 30, played in 63 games for Dallas last season, collecting 6 assists and 130 penalty minutes. He has played 209 NHL games over the past four seasons, all with the Stars, recording eight goals and 15 assists with 475 penalty minutes. The Hamilton, Ontario, native was originally signed as a free agent by Dallas on July 18, 2006.

Modano softens stance, ready to move on

Mike Modano softened his stance on the ``upset and disappointed'' comment he made Tuesday after he was told that the Stars would not re-sign him.

Modano at a press conference at American Airlines Center Wednesday morning said he was more philosophical about his departure and excited about the chance to study free agency on Thursday.

``After the initial response from Joe, I think I just needed some time away to kind of digest what my feelings are,'' he said. ``In some ways I think I expected a hard decision had to be made. Eventually you have to go in a direction that's best for the team and for the future.''

``All bad things that happen, sometimes they can turn out to be a blessing in disguise and maybe this is one of them.''

On who he might have been upset or disappointed with:

``I don't think there's anybody personally I'm upset or disappointed in. I just would have loved to see it work here. I'm in no means upset with Tom or Joe. They've been fantastic. I can't say enough about the opportunity that Tom has given me and stepping in five years ago to make sure I didn't leave. It was just upsetting and disappointing it didn't work out.''

On whether he thinks he deserved better:

``I've been given everything I can possibly ask for from a team and a city, so I'm not asking for much anymore. I'm very happy with where I'm at, what I've done, and what we've accomplished here.''

On Joe Nieuwendyk and his relationship with himn:

``Joe has been fantastic about the whole situation. I don't envy that position. We're first and foremost friends and teammates, and we'll continue to be that no matter what happens down the road.

On whether he wants to play again:

``If you feel you can still play and contribute, you want to play. I've always felt that until I'm really awful and bad at this game, then I will move on. There have been times I have felt after games when I've said to myself ``I probably shouldn't have been out there.'' But there are other games when I've felt good and things went well and I think I can do this for a couple of more years.''

On where he might play:

``It's hard to say which situation it is. There are obviously ones where I would feel comfortable with people I know. But honestly, I have to just be open to anything and listen to what other people have to say.''

``It's probably the most difficult discussion I've had to make. I guess I just have to look at their situation as a team and how I fit it in.''

He talked about the decision to play for Washington, Philadelphia and Boston at the trade deadline and how tough it is to pick the team that could win.

``I was really thinking Washington and then Philly made the Finals, so you never know.''

On staying in Dallas for his life:

``Yeah, for sure I will. It's always been a phenomenal place. The people have been supportive and outgoing. Ultimately, this will be home even I spend some time someplace else.''

A happy Modano would be fun to watch

Here's a goofy idea: I would love to see Mike Modano play for another team next season.

If _ and this is a big if _ if Modano was happy.

He wasn't last season. He didn't have a real place on the Stars. The team didn't play well. His ability to fight through frustration had worn down. That happens when you get older and have put up with a lot in your career. It's hard to battle through the tough times.

But if you get a fresh start, a change of pace, a new challenge, your resolve becomes stronger.

I believe that will happen if Modano finds the right fit in free agency. I think it would be scary for him at first, but I also think he's a good guy who wants to win and who would eventually blend into a new team. He can't be a leader on that team, but he can be a really nice complementary piece.

When Modano was hurt last season, I wanted to go out and talk to him, so I visited the rink in Frisco when he was the only guy on the ice. He had to hold his arm to his side the entire time, and yet he flew around the ice like he was skating in full stride. He is such a natural skater _ such a natural athlete, really _ that I know he can still play. He just has that aura about him.

But he has to want to, he has to be mentally engaged, and a move to a new team might do that.

He does want to play, I think, but he wanted the safe way out by playing for the Stars again. It would complete his dream of playing his entire career for one team. But would Modano have been happy on the Stars next season? Would he have been happy on a team where he doesn't seem to be a good fit? Would he have grown frustrated with what could be a losing season and maybe taken an offer of a trade at the trade deadline this time? Would that have been an even more uncomfortable departure? It could have gone either way, I guess, but I personally don't think he would have had a good season.

But if he finds the right fit, if he finds a team that can use his skills, that can put him in the right place, I think he would be happy...and I think he would grow as a person.

I'm sure Angels fans have a hard time seeing Vlad Guerrero playing like he is for the Rangers, but if you're a Vlad fan, how can you not be happy for him? How could you not be happy for Ray Bourque when he won the Cup in Colorado? Sometimes a fresh start is a good thing for a player. His patience increases, his eyes open a little more to a different way of doing things.

I hope that happens for Modano. I hope he has a Vlad-like season next year. I hope like heck he has a great time and enjoys himself, because it would make me smile to see him smile.

Hicks: Nieuwendyk had to make a tough choice

Tom Hicks is out in California, and I talked to him tonight about the situation with Mike Modano.

``We left it up to Joe, because he had the mandate to rebuild the Stars, and we support the decision he made,'' Hicks said. ``Nobody wants to see Mike go, but there comes a time for every player when you have to make tough decisions.''

Hicks said he hopes Modano can stay with the organization forever, but that he is not able to make that kind of long-term decision when the team is up for sale.

``Well, I think the proper steps of the process would be that Mike has to make a decision on his career and retirement, and then if he does retire, the next step would be to talk to him,'' Hicks said. ``But that's an issue for the new owner. I seriously think any owner would be happy to have Mike be a part of the team, and I will recommend to any owner that if Mike wants to be a part of the Stars, he needs to be a part of the Stars. He's the best player we've ever had.''

Hicks declined to talk about the sale of the team, and said that one of the things he learned from the sale of the Rangers is that media silence is a good thing in any sale.

``It doesn't need to be talked about in the public. That doesn't help the process,'' he said. ``We are working very hard behind the scenes and we feel there is progress being made. There could just be a day that comes when we announce the sale of the team is complete. That would be the best way to do it.''

Modano: Upset, disappointed

I just got off the phone with Mike Modano and he said he was ``upset and disappointed'' that things with the Stars had to end this way.

``I was told a while back by different people that I would have the say of when I wanted to retire, and it obviously didn't happen that way,'' he said. ``I'm upset and disappointed with today. It's definitely not the way I pictured it happening.''

Modano said he's not upset with GM Joe Nieuwendyk, just with the process. He said he and Nieuwendyk remain friends.

``Yeah, definitely, it wasn't easy for him, and I know that,'' Modano said. ``It's just business, but it doesn't make it any easier for me, either.''

Modano has contacted some business associates who would help him in shopping himself around, but said he would act as his own agent in free agency. He said he would be personally fielding calls when free agency starts on Thursday and said he believes he would probably play in the Western Conference.

``I definitely think in the west, that's what I know best and where I'm most comfortable,'' he said.

Modano's wife, Willa Ford, has been shuttling back between California and Texas while pursuing acting gigs, and Modano said it would be good if he could work things to be near her.

``She'd be ecstatic if that would happen, so that's definitely preferred,'' he said. ``But I just have to find the right fit.''

Modano said he's still not sure he wants to play. He said he can't even put a percentage on his decision, because he doesn't know what opportunities are out there.

``Honestly, until I talk to people and know where I fit and how I can help a team, I have no information to even base a decision on,'' he said. ``It's a whole new world for me, but I think I should probably know a lot more after the first week or so of free agency. Who knows, I could find the right fit on the first day and sign a deal or I could find nothing and then decide to retire. Anything is possible right now.''

When asked about his fit on the Stars, he said he wasn't happy last season.

``No, but who on the team was,'' he asked rhetorically. ``It wasn't a good season, it didn't come together very easily. I just think you have to put that in the past and move on.''

Reaction to the Stars announcement

Here's a couple of reactions on the Stars' announcement this morning that they will move on without Mike Modano. Everyone has calls in for Modano, so we'll see how he plans his reaction and possible press conference:

Captain Brenden Morrow, who was in Edmonton taking part in the celebration for Team Canada's Olympic gold medals in hockey that took place there:

``It really is tough to hear, because Mike has meant so much to the team. He's a great guy and a good friend. It's been a tough summer with all of the transition, but I guess we need to move forward. It's definitely a sign to us that we're pushing forward.''

On having Joe Nieuwendyk make the decision:

``I do really think that it makes it a little easier for Mike. They're good friends and will continue to be good friends, and you know how tough this was on Joe. I definitely think it makes a difference when you hear it from a player who has been through this type of decision and knows how tough it is for you.''

On whether Modano can still play:

``If he plays anything like he did in that last home game, he can definitely still help a team. He was dominant that game. It would be a very strange feeling lining up against him or even seeing him in another team's jersey. But if he wants to play, I believe he can definitely play.''

FSN analyst and former Modano teammate Craig Ludwig:

``When I heard it this morning, I had a pit in my stomach. It really is a tough thing to deal with, especially with everything he's done for the team. I guess the one thing that you can say is this was as tough on Joe as anyone. He really had a tough time with this decision, so you realize that he felt it was important to play the younger players. It's a tough time.''

Ludwig on whether Modano can play:

``I think so. I saw him out there in games at key moments and taking tough faceoffs and still playing very well defensively. If he wants to fight through a whole season, I definitely think he has the ability to do it.''

On how it would feel to see Modano in another jersey:

``We can all say that we would love to see him win a Cup with another team, but I'm not so sure about that. We all want Mike to be happy, but it would probably make me sick to see him playing for another team, and I think a lot of fans feel that way too.''

Former Stars coach Ken Hitchcock on whether Modano can still play:

``Oh definitely. He has the physical ability to help any team. The question is whether he wants to endure the grind again. That was always the challenge for Mike. It only gets tougher for older players, because you have to work that much harder off the ice, you have to work that much harder during the game and you have to be mentally stronger than you've ever been. If you can get Mike through the grind and get him to meaningful games, he'll definitely be a player who can help you.''

On potentially seeing Modano in a different uniform:

``I don't think that would affect too many people. That's kind of the way the league is going. It's tough for fans, I'm sure, but it's just part of the business of the game now. It certainly wouldn't affect his legacy in Dallas or as a player. He's done so many positive things for hockey and for Dallas, that he'll always have a great legacy.''

Highlights from Joe Nieuwendyk's press conference

Here is Joe Nieuwendyk on a few things:

On how Modano reacted:

``He's been terrific. We've talked all throughout the season, at trade deadline and end of the year. He's got a lot of emotions and feelings. He's been an icon in this city for a long time, so he's still wrestling with those decisions."

On whether he considered the impact of losing Modano's presence for the fans when making this decision:

``My job is on the ice. I realize the impact Mike has on this franchise from a selling point. You're not going to replace Mike Modano. He's been a special person and a special player for so many years in Dallas. But like all great players, at some point you have to turn the page. I feel like it's time we turn the page."

``I think Mr. Hicks hired me because I do what I think is right for the franchise.''

"I realized taking this job I was going to be faced with difficult decisons. I've had to face some very tough decisions because I've played with some of these guys. They are my friends. I have to do what I feel like is necessary. The strength is with our young players. We have to find the next Mike Modano. We won't find the same Mike Modano, but we have some young players that want to push it to the next level. In my mind, we have to move forward."

On the depth at the center position:

"That's really the strength of our team with Brad Richards, Mike Ribeiro, Jamie Benn at center. Steve Ott can play there and the guy everyone forgets about, Tom Wandell is a great addition to have him back (from injury). So that's a strength of our team."

On whether Modano can still play:

``We see him skating out there and playing on the power play and he's certainly capable of playing. Mike is a talent. The role we had him in doesn't really satisfy him. With Wandell coming back, I'm not so sure the role would have been better or increased. If we're going to move forward, we have to put our young players in position."

On Modano and how he felt last season when he didn't always get top line minutes:

``There were many times when I sensed his frustration. He wanted a bigger bite, and that's difficult with the players we have, because they also want a bigger bite.''

On Modano playing for another team:

"I respect that, and I've indicated that to him. If he wants to pursue that, much like Ray Bourque did by going to Colorado, that is certainly his prerogative. He's one of the best players I ever played with. I know what he's going through because I've been there. He's certainly capable of playing. He's a talent."

On whether Modano can still be a part of the organization going forward:

"I'll be the first guy knocking on our new owner's door in order to have Mike part of this organization, and I don't think anybody would have an issue with that. I've said to Mike repeatedly that he has to know what direction he wants to go with this. Mike has to decide which area he wants to get into, and I think we'll make a fit in whatever he wants to do. If and when he decides to stop playing, the door will always be open for him here."

Where are the Stars in building the franchise in regards to ownership:

"I do feel good about the youth of our team. We're positioned now to have a very competitive team. I'm talking to GMs (about trades), but it has to fit in with what we have right now. If we can do something that makes sense and to better our hockey club, we'll do it. If (the ownership change) happens next week, three months from now, we're going to be well positioned if we have certain things to spend. We will have flexibility."

Nieuwendyk speaks on decision to not ask Modano back

The Stars are planning on having a press conference at noon at American Airlines Center to make the statement that they will not be offering Mike Modano a contract for next season.

Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said this morning that he and Modano have had numerous discussions and that he has decided that it is time to move on. He said the team has too many centers already and that Modano would likely be forced to play as a fourth line center on this team, and that doesn't make sense.

``This decision doesn't come easy, but it's something I've been talking to Mike about for quite some time,'' Nieuwendyk said. ``It's a difficult deicison for fans and our entire organization. I fell it's necesary for us to move foward under these trying times. We have young players that I believe have to be put in a postion where they can be successful and unfortunately (for the situation with Modano) the depth of our team is at the center positon.''

``We haven't made the payoffs for two years. We're facing challenges right now that most NHL teams are not facing. It is a challenge. I feel confident about our young players and where they are viewed at in regards to the rest of the NHL. But when you don't make the playoffs for two years and Modano is our fourth line center that gives us good power play time, we have to make decisions. Young players need to be put in positons where we can grow and be successful.''

Nieuwendyk said he understands Modano will want to study fre agency on July 1 and that he hopes Modano is happy with whatever decision he makes.

``I respect that. I've indicated that to him,''Nieuwendyk said. ``Our conversations were relaly good. We talked last night on the phone. If he wants to do that like (Ray) Bourque did in Colorado. I'll support him on that. He knows and everybody knows, if and when he does decide to stop playing, there will be a place for him here.''

Nieuwendyk said he knows fans will be upset, but hopes they understand that the team is in the middle of a sale and has some tough choice to make on a budget and with the direction of the franchise.

``From a fan's perspective, it's going to be tough no matter what,'' Nieuwendyk said. ``Mike has been such an important part of this franchise ever\ since we came to Dallas. It was very diffiult for Cowboys fans to see Emitte Smith move on. But Emmitt Smith is always a Dallas Coboy and Mike Modano will always be a Dallas Star.''

``I said at the draft, Scott Niedermayer was presentiung the first rounder a jersey and I wish Mike Modano was there to present Jack Campbell with a jersey. Next year it's in Minnesota, what a great thing that would be. His association with our organization will always be there.''

Nieuwendyk said that because the team is up for sale, Modano will not be offered a job in the organization at this time and it will be up to the new owner to make that decision.

Nieuwendyk: Stars will not ask Modano back

The Stars are planning on having a press conference at noon at American Airlines Center to make the statement that they will not be offering Mike Modano a contract for next season.

I'll have comments from Joe Nieuwendyk in a few minutes.