Truth & Rumors > NHL

Owner talked to Modano about GM

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As it turns out, owner Tom Hicks wasn't any crazier about the Stars' failure to add firepower in the off-season than disgruntled fans, players and media. "Disappointed," is how he put it. When Columbus called asking about general manager Doug Armstrong's availability, the owner discussed the possibilities with his GM. Ultimately, Hicks said, "We decided to go forward." But Hicks' doubts had been building, and not just about the roster. He wondered if a once-model organization had gone stale. On nearly any question about the Stars, he normally would have consulted Jim Lites. Or talked hockey with Armstrong. But Armstrong sensed some distance from the owner lately. Lites didn't get a call. "I just wanted a more objective viewpoint," Hicks said. So he went outside the organization, to a couple of friends in the NHL. And he talked to Mike Modano. The preseason confab between Hicks and his star player couldn't have helped Armstrong's cause. Hicks wouldn't reveal what was discussed, but you don't have to channel Don Cherry to imagine where Modano stood. Armstrong was behind the decision to rip the "C" from Modano's sweater. He traded Joe Nieuwendyk and Jamie Langenbrunner and dumped Darryl Sydor, all vital parts in the franchise's success, all friends of Modano's. Armstrong also represented a system that had always asked Modano to sacrifice and never played to his strengths.

Dallas Morning News

Doug Armstrong, Mike Modano, AP Doug Armstrong, Mike Modano, AP

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November 17, 2007  10:42 AM ET
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Still shocked at all that has changed over the past week. Maybe this will be good for the franchise and we will get back to winning some playoff games (series)

November 17, 2007  11:40 AM ET
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wish we reali kept Joe Nieuwendyk and Jamie Langenbrunner ! great players an played for da team !

November 17, 2007  01:48 PM ET
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Joe Nieuwendyk's playing days were done. They shoud've made room for him in the organization. But getting rid of Jamie Langenbrunner (and even Darryl Sydor) was very dumb. Those two they should've kept. (DC)

November 17, 2007  02:47 PM ET
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langenbrunner is beast scoring two goals in his first game back from the hernia injury. Only took him 35 seconds into the game to score his first.

November 18, 2007  02:08 AM ET
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Nobody better to consult than Modano.

 
November 20, 2007  05:03 PM ET
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Stale is the word - I don't know if ANY team has done less in the last 5 years in terms of signings or changes at all. This team is due for an overhaul - watch them bring in an offensive coach (Pat Quinn? I know he's overrated, but Hull likes the Old Guys) and let Modano have a go at his last year or two in the league. Bring in an offensive star in the off-season (if any want to skate 40 games in dallas, that is) and lose the Trappin system altogether...make this team worth watching.

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