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Mike Modano continues to mull retirement options: ‘I’m still on the fence’

St. Louis Blues v Detroit Red Wings

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 30: Mike Modano #90 of the Detroit Red Wings looks on the St. Louis Blues at Joe Louis Arena on March 30, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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Few athletes had the send-off that Mike Modano enjoyed during his last game as a member of the Dallas Stars. It was a curtain call moment that seemed straight out of a Hollywood script that would probably be rejected for being too syrupy sweet.

Of course, reality rarely provides storybook endings. Modano decided to play at least one more season in 2010-11 and by almost all accounts, the results were disastrous. His impact in 40 regular season games with the Detroit Red Wings was marginal enough (15 points; 14:18 minutes per game) before an injury derailed his season. If that wasn’t enough, the future Hall of Famer dealt with the insult of being a healthy scratch during the playoffs after fighting through his injuries.

As bad as last season was - and as much as Modano’s skills have declined - the retirement decision ultimately comes down to Modano (assuming that he could generate an NHL offer, of course). Modano has been taking his sweet time when it comes to that decision, dropping a hint here and there but not giving a straight answer.

The latest update is more of the same, then. ESPN Dallas’ Richard Durrett caught up with the 41-year-old center, who admits that he’s still pondering his options, including the possibility of remaining in the public eye as a TV analyst or member of the Stars’ front office. Modano says he might make his decision by mid-September (which might allow him to sidestep training camp, by the way).

“It’s tough to think about letting go because it’s been a part of your life since you were a kid,” Modano said Friday. “You have to see how you feel and how much you want to do it. I’m still on the fence.”

Modano said he’s talked with several of the league’s television broadcast partners about the possibility of working on the air but isn’t sure what might be available. That includes Fox Sports Southwest, which broadcasts most of the Stars’ regular-season games.

(snip)

Modano said he’d also be interested in working for the Stars organization once it has a new owner in place. Modano believes he could help with the club’s marketing.

“We need to get the fan base back up and excited again,” Modano said. “I’d be interested in working for them and doing that.”

Here’s hoping that Modano goes with one of those two options instead of trying to force another NHL season on his aging body. Modano’s played in 1,499 regular season games (1,374 points), 176 playoff contests (146 points) and won one Stanley Cup while he helped the Stars become relevant in Texas. It’s probably best that he moves on with the next stage of his life, although again, it’s almost his (and the NHL’s general managers’) call.