He won’t be a Detroit Red Wing, but Chris Chelios still wants to play. The 47-year-old defenceman said Wednesday he has no hard feelings about Detroit’s decision not to sign him for next season. In fact, he says his 10 years as a Red Wing couldn’t have turned out better. “Absolutely no regrets, “ he said. “I had the best 10 years in Detroit.” He was limited to 28 games during the 2008-09 regular season because of a broken leg suffered during an exhibition game. He played in six games during the playoffs, which Detroit lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final. Chelios has played 25 NHL seasons, winning three Stanley Cups and three Norris Trophies as the league’s top defenceman. He said he had one last chat with Red Wings’ owner Mike Ilitch at the Detroit Tigers’ game Tuesday night, and is ready to move elsewhere. He and his agent will start contacting teams July 1, when he officially becomes a free agent.
“I just want to see if I can get the opportunity with another team and if I can contribute,” he said.