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First, an apology to our Canadian readers.

Yes, it seems silly to debate who the greatest American-born NHL player is. I'm sure it seems silly to debate the greatest Canadian-born NFLer (Mike Vanderjagt?). Let us Yanks have our fun for a week or two.

You've taken our exchange rate; just leave us with some shred of dignity.

Mike Modano certainly is bolstering his case, having last week added the career regular-season points record for U.S.-born NHL players to the goals record that he earned last March. Still, the face of the Stars probably has a ways to go before he can eclipse the accomplishments of defenseman Chris Chelios, in his 23rd season as an NHL regular.

Modano's point-scoring is a product of his position. He has been a top-notch center, and that has allowed him the opportunity to overtake defenseman Phil Housley, who tallied his points total in 200 more games than Modano.

To say Modano is the best forward ever born on U.S. soil – that's an argument I think that holds water. But the ageless Chelios might have put the debate of greatest player away for some time to come.

Chelios has won Stanley Cups with Montreal and Detroit and also helped Chicago to the Finals. He has won three Norris Trophies as the best defenseman. He has been voted a first- or second-team All-Star eight times, including being named a first-teamer in 2002 at the age of 40.

Long-time Stars fans probably remember Chelios best in his heyday with the Blackhawks. He played 30 minutes a game, was strong on both the penalty kill and the power play and was one of the most physical players the Stars had to face. He backed down from no one and was probably one of the great captains of the NHL in his era.

Chelios also captained Team USA through the 1990s and early 2000s and helped forge one of the most successful eras of international play for this country.

He was named to the All-Olympic team in 2002.

Modano, too, played a big role in helping USA Hockey take the next step. He was probably the team's best player in 2002, when it finished second at Salt Lake City. He was a key contributor in 1996 on the gold medal World Cup team.

In the NHL, he was simply a consistent force throughout the 1990s – embracing Ken Hitchcock's vision of him as a top-level scorer who was good enough to check the opponents' best players.

Maybe the race for greatest American-born player still is open. Maybe the debate will rage on until both retire – and that might not happen for a couple of years.