Mike Modano to return to the Dallas Stars next season

by Mark Stepneski of Andrew's Stars Page

Willa was unavailable for comment.

DALLAS — Dallas Stars center Mike Modano said Monday that he will return for the 2009-10 season, the final year of his contract.

Mike's not hanging up his jersey just yet

“I’ve made my decision and I’m coming back to play,” Modano told the team's official web site. “I think everyone eventually knew I was going to come back, but I still wanted to take some time and think about things. Watching everyone else playing in the playoffs helped push me to make the decision. This is the best time of year and we want to get back to playing post-season hockey next season.”

Modano made $2.25 million next season, but his salary cap hit will be $3.45 million. He played in 80 games last season, picking up 15 goals and 31 assists.

"I still feel very good and I continue to keep my body in the best shape possible,'' Modano said. "I'm looking forward to relaxing a bit this summer, but continuing to work toward the beginning of next season. I'm excited about returning and playing again.''

Next season will be his 20th in the NHL. He holds just about every franchise record including games played (1,400), goals (543), assists (786), and points (1,329).

Modano, who turns 39 next month, is on the final year of a five-year contract. He did keep the door open to possibly playing beyond the 2009-10 campaign.

“I think there’s a chance but I’m going to take this season-by-season and see how I feel,” he said. “A part of me wants to keep coming back to play until they tell me they don’t want me to come back. I love playing the game. We’ll see how this coming season goes and go from there.”