Mike Modano Hints at a Return to the Dallas Stars. In the Front Office, Of Course.

Almost two months ago to the day, Mike Modano retired from the National Hockey League as a Dallas Star, after a single ill-fated, injury-shortened season with the Detroit Red Wings. So, then: What now? For the longest time he's made no secret of his desire to move into the front office; he told Unfair Park in April 2010 that if given the opportunity once his playing days were through, he'd absolutely "go into that direction of the game and voice my opinion on what needs to be done or changed ... I've watched some great guys handle and manage this team, so I've been fortunate enough to see what works and what don't work, so I can help people find the right guys for the job."

Today, via SportsNet in Canada, Modano drops even more hints -- going so far as to acknowledge that ever since new owner Tom Gaglardi began eying the Stars from afar two years ago, he's been sort of ... well, advising, let's say: He "just asked a lot of questions," says Mo, "what I thought of personnel, who was there running the deal and the coaching changes and everything like that."

Gaglardi's already brought back Jim Lites, the longtime CEO and president. Not a moment too soon: The Stars have the cheapest average ticket price, and at 10,648 average attendance, only Phoenix is worse ... and then, just barely. Sounds like Modano wants to fix that: "Hockey has worked [in Dallas] in the past, I think it just needs to be mended a little bit, and if the performance on the ice continues I think eventually we can get [the fans] back in the building." If only hockey players could tackle cheerleaders. That would help. Anyway: Like I need to tell you, plenty of good tix left for Stars-Maple Leafs tonight at the AAC.