DETROIT -- Mike Modano holds no grudges toward the Dallas Stars for not re-signing him, but he acknowledged that their decision not to bring him back will motivate him this season.

His wife, Mandy, an actress who goes by the stage name Willa Ford, seems even more motivated.

"I think it was more so on my wife’s radar than anything,'' said Modano,

. "She wanted me to go play, and especially in Detroit to kind of shove it up everybody’s ... you know.

"That was her precise words, and she felt it was a great opportunity to do that in Detroit and loved the Red Wings and knew it was one of our rivals. She felt going in there and having the chance to play with good players was a real good opportunity.’’

Modano said he'll be glad to get his Dallas homecoming out of the way quickly. The Red Wings visit the Stars on Oct. 14 for Dallas' home opener.

“It’ll be a tough game to get through,'' Modano said. "When it’s over, I’ll probably be glad that game is done. Let’s get it over with early in the season and don’t have to think about it.’’