Mike Modano intends to leave the NHL the same way he came in.
The Dallas Stars announced Thursday that they will sign the 41-year-old forward to a one-day contract that will have a ceremonial value of $999,999. The signing allows Modano to retire with the organization with which he spent nearly all of his NHL career.
"This is a special day for all of us," said Stars general manager and former Modano teammateJoe Nieuwendyk. "Mike Modano will always be the face of this franchise. He means so much to our organization and all of our fans. 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."
Originally taken first overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota North Stars, Modano went on to play 21 seasons with the franchise between Minnesota and Dallas.
In a career that spanned parts of four decades with the team, Modano set new club records for games played (1459), goals (557), assists (802) and points (1359. He also helped lead the franchise to its only Stanley Cup in 1999.
He retires as the highest-scoring American-born player in NHL history.
