Frisco, TX -- (Sports Network) - Mike Modano, franchise icon of the Dallas Stars, announced on Monday his intention to return to play for the team in 2009-2010.

"I've made my decision and I'm coming back to play," Modano said in a statement. "I think everyone eventually knew I was going to come back, but I still wanted to take some time and think about things. Watching everyone else playing in the playoffs helped push me to make the decision. This is the best time of year and we want to get back to playing post-season hockey."

The 38-year-old completed his 19th NHL campaign with just 15 goals and 46 points in 80 games for Dallas, which missed out on the postseason. Once he returns, he will be in the final year of a five-year contract.

A first-overall selection by the Minnesota North Stars back in 1988, Modano has played every one of his pro campaigns with the Stars franchise, and holds club records in goals (543), assists (786), points (1,329) and regular-season games (1,400).

The native of the Detroit suburb of Livonia has recorded more goals and points than any United States-born player in NHL history, and is second to long-time defenseman Phil Housley in assists.

Modano is also the longest-tenured athlete in Dallas, and his 15 seasons with the Stars ranks the most for any one player in the professional sports history of the city.