Modano: 'Would be pretty cool' to watch Kane break U.S. scoring record

Mike Modano is embracing the inevitable of Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane breaking his record for most NHL points by a player born in the United States.

Kane, who's collected 1,355 points in 1,316 career games, is 20 points away from passing Modano for sole possession of first place.

"The end is coming here soon," Modano told NHL.com's Nicholas J. Cotsonika. "I knew years ago that he might be one - that if he stayed healthy, that he would be the guy that kind of goes after it. Obviously, he's had a phenomenal career and is one of the best ever.

"It's getting down to the nitty gritty, so it's only a matter of time before I get a call from (Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman) wanting to know if I want to be at a game."

Modano, a Michigan native, said he would happily accept an invite to stand witness to the record-breaking moment.

"I'd love to be there and definitely would make the effort to be there for that one," he said. "That would be a great milestone, and to see it done would be pretty cool."

Modano has held the record for 18 years after passing Phil Housley in 2007. He's also the record holder for the most goals scored by a U.S.-born player with 561, but it might be only a matter of time before that vanishes too. Kane is within striking distance at 495 goals, and Auston Matthews - who's just 28 years old - is already at 410.

"Well, I thought Matthews was at a pace to kind of go get it. I think he still is," Modano said. "But that might be one that's a little farther down the road than the points one, so I might hold onto that one a little longer."

Kane, 37, has tallied three goals and nine assists in 14 games for the Red Wings this season.