Former Stars and Red Wings forward Mike Modano, the NHL's all-time points leader among U.S.-born players, officially announced his retirement Wednesday.
The 41-year-old decided it was time to end his career after 21 years in the NHL, making the announcement on his Facebook page, saying: "I've come to the decision that it's time to retire as a player from the NHL."
Modano confirmed the retirement to ESPNDallas.com shortly after that.
"I think I knew in my heart I was done after last season," Modano said. "I had a harder time coming to grips with it than I thought I would. Part of me wanted to play it out and see if anybody had called in July. When that didn't happen, I figured that's pretty much it."
Modano told The Associated Press Wednesday that he recently declined a tryout with the Canucks.
Modano Announces Retirement