Former Dallas Stars forward Mike Modano said he's still mulling whether to retire and will make a decision by the middle of September. But the 41-year-old has been exploring his options for when his playing days are done.
"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.
"I've filled in a few times doing some analysis and enjoyed it," Modano said. "Talking about the game is easy, but it's a matter of getting the TV time under your belt where you feel comfortable with your delivery."
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."
Modano was drafted first overall by the Minnesota North Stars in 1988 and became the face of the franchise when the team moved to Dallas in 1993. Modano holds a gaggle of records for the Stars and is the NHL's all-time points leader among U.S.-born players. He decided he wasn't ready to retire last summer, signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings. A wrist injury cost him half the season, and he had four goals and 11 assists in 40 games.
Richard Durrett covers the Stars for ESPNDallas.com.