Speaking with the media on Wednesday afternoon, Mike Modano said that the Sean Avery situation could have been avoided with a bit of advance research by the Stars. "I think we would have analyzed (the signing) a little bit more over the summer before you go into the free-agent market. Do a little more homework and detailed analysis (and get the opinions) of players who have played with him or how guys feel about it," said Modano. "It could have been avoided, I think, but I think (co-GM) Brett (Hull) felt having him as a teammate (while with the Detroit Red Wings), he saw something in him. "Talent-wise, he's a very skilled kid. But I think character-wise and his personality didn't blend with the criteria that we've always had as Dallas Stars. Since Bob Gainey was here, we implemented a kind of personality and character-figure in Tom Hicks. That's kind of where it went off and tail-spinned and got corrected," Modano added. Modano says he hasn't talked with Avery since he was cut loose by the organization on Dec. 14.