The market for Mike Modano's services appears to be growing. The 40-year-old forward said Friday that the San Jose Sharks and Minnesota Wild have contacted him about the possibility of playing next season.
That comes days after he met in Detroit with Red Wings personnel.
Modano said Minnesota may want to meet face-to-face with him soon, but no date has been set.
"It would be a fun storyline," Modano said, referring to the fact he was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars in 1988 and moved with the franchise to Dallas.
He played his final game of 2010 in Minnesota, donning an old North Stars jersey as he waved goodbye. "It's the same scenario. I'm listening to what everyone has to say and taking it all in. I still have to decide if I'm going to play," he said.
Modano said he has no timetable to make a decision. He met with Detroit general manager Ken Holland and coach Mike Babcock earlier this week and left intrigued by the possibility of playing with the Red Wings, a team with a history of getting the most out of aging superstars.
Modano has to figure out if he wants to go through the rigors of training camp, practice and games in a full season again. The Red Wings had discussed using him as a third-line center and on the second power-play unit. He could fill similar roles on the Sharks or Wild if discussions progress.
Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk announced at the end of last month that the Stars were moving forward without Modano in an effort to get some of their younger players more ice time.
Modano has spent his entire 22-year career with the Stars organization. He's the NHL's all-time points and goals leader among U.S.-born players.
Richard Durrett covers the Stars for ESPNDallas.com. You can follow him on Twitter or leave a question for his weekly mailbag.