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.''