After 20 years in the Dallas/Minnesota organization, the Stars decided to move on from the most storied player in franchise history during the summer. He's already hoisted the Stanley Cup once in his career, but the opportunity to play for a contender near his hometown was too much to pass up. Modano still has good speed at age 40, and he'll be a part of the Wings' penalty-killing unit while centering the third line this season. Health permitting, he should rebound in his first season with Detroit and push above the 40-point threshold.
Modano second half slide where he scored just three goals after January 1 mirrored the Stars' struggles as the season wore on. He briefly contemplated retirement following the season, but will return for what is most likely his final season. Once a stalwart centering Dallas' top line, Modano now serves as a shutdown center that sees time on the power play.
He's started slowly as he chased down Phil Housley in the record books, but ended up with a decent 57-point effort (21 goals, 36 assists). He could end up shifting to left wing alongside Brad Richards, though Stu Barnes' retirement leaves the Stars a bit thin up the middle. If he sticks at center, he'll anchor Dallas' third line but should still see plenty of time on Dallas' top power play unit.
Modano struggled with a hip injury, being limited to 59 games and struggling at times when in the lineup. He's not getting any younger, but the legs and explosiveness are still there when healthy and durability has long been a strong suit. Expect a bounce back season of around 30 goals and 50 assists.
Returned to being Mike Modano after a lost season the year before. He's a sure bet for a point a game and a good source of +/- as well. He'll slow down one of these years, but it won't be in 2006-07.
He'll need to rebound from a disaster of a 2003-04 season, where he struggled in all aspects of the game. A focused Modano will provide Dallas with a legit #1 center, and we expect a big rebound here.
