Modano Signs Extension With Stars

NHL teams

The deal includes a no-trade clause and more significantly goes beyond a possible lockout anticipated at the end of next season, when the labor deal with the league and the players' union expires.

"This gives us mutual protection that we will be together no matter what happens," owner Tom Hicks said. "It certainly will be our intention to sign Mike (to another extension) under the new rules."

Modano, who was the first overall pick in the 1988 draft, has spent his entire career with the Stars franchise and has the most goals, assists, points, game-winning goals, short-handed goals and games played in team history.

"I believe Mike Modano and the Stars are synonymous," Hicks said. "This is clearly one of the best investments this team has ever made."

Modano is clearly happy about the new deal.

"I'm very lucky and fortunate to be able to stay here," Modano said. "I'm more content as a player and a person on and off the ice. Just not having that in the back of my mind, I will be a little more at ease, and will be able to just go out and play and not force the issue."

"Yeah, you'd like to see what's available and what's out there. But there are no guarantees," he said. "I like what I have here. I am comfortable here, and know our commitment and what we have here."

General manager Doug Armstrong now has to sign goalie Marty Turco, who became a free agent after setting a modern NHL record with his 1.72 goals against average.

"Hopefully we are closing the differences," Armstrong said. "He had a great season and we're going to reward him handsomely for that."