Mike Modano of Detroit Red Wings Out Indefinitely, Jiri Hudler Needs to Step Up

During the offseason, the Detroit Red Wings pursued Mike Modano.

Finally, on August 3, Modano inked a one-year contract.

After signing Modano, Detroit had visions of seeing a third line of the newly-acquired Modano, Dan Cleary and the returning Jiri Hudler.

Shortly after the Modano signing, Detroit became instant Cup favorites.

Cue the dramatics.

A picture-perfect start, if you will.

Modano went on to score on his first shift, off his first shot, in his first game with the Red Wings. It was like the aforementioned picture-perfect way to start, or finish, either way, the beginning of the end for the best American-born player's career.

But it wasn't all that rosy from then on.

Modano had only that one point to his name for the next nine, including a dreadful minus-seven rating.

Not only Modano, but the line struggled game in and game out, and had a combined minus 17 heading into Detroit's western Canada swing.

Detroit's first game in Canada was in Calgary, and Mike Babcock decided to scratch Jiri Hudler for a fresh, and finally healthy, Justin Abdelkader.

The result—Mike Modano scored his second goal (and point) of the season.

The following 11 games, Modano had seven points with a plus-four.

He was clearly turning the corner and changing what started off as being a disappointing season into a season where the numbers were what Kenny Holland and Mike Babcock were expecting of Mike Modano.

But now, Modano's childhood wish to play for his hometown team has quickly ended not even two months after signing with the Wings.

After a freak accident in Columbus, it is up in the air not when Modano will come back but if Modano will come back.

But what does this mean to the Detroit Red Wings?

Detroit's been juggling Drew Miller and Patrick Eaves every other game and sometimes sitting the struggling Jiri Hudler.

Mike Modano was never going to be scratched because he was one of the Red Wings enjoying a nice start to the season.

But now, with Modano gone long term, Miller and Eaves, who deserve to play, will be playing every game.

That also includes Jiri Hudler.

If Jiri Hudler is deciding to turn his dreadful season around, now is the time.

Jiri Hudler is going to be given the shot, night in and night out, to perform to his capabilities.

Detroit cannot afford Jiri Hudler to struggle anymore.

But back to Mike Modano.

Everyone in Detroit wishes you a speedy recovery.

We might have seen the last of the best American-born player ever in the NHL.

And the way his legacy might have ended is definitely not the way Modano wanted it to.

His childhood dream of playing for the Wings was fulfilled once he signed that contract, but it may have been short lived.

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