Chris Neil passed on signing opportunities in search of 'right fit'

Chris Neil isn't lacking in opportunity.

The gritty veteran winger remains an unrestricted free agent with training camps set to open next week, and while he's been presented with both one-year, one-way contracts and professional tryout offers heading into 2017-18, he's happy to wait it out in hopes of finding the best possible situation for him and his family.

"I've had some opportunities to go to some other teams and play, it just hasn't been the right fit for my family," the 38-year-old told TSN 1200 Radio Ottawa on Friday. "I think I've been very blessed to play as long as I have and so I'm able to sit back, and if there's the right fit for me, great. If there isn't, I'm also looking to spend time with my family."

Neil began playing for the Ottawa Senators in 2001 after being drafted 161st overall in 1998. Thus, not having a hockey home in place is a new experience for him. But again, he won't sign just anywhere.

"This is probably the first September in 20 years I haven't had a place to go and it wasn't from a lack of teams or interest. So I think for me, just being the right fit and obviously we're still talking with some teams and we'll go from there."

Neil racked up 112 goals, 138 assists, and 2,522 penalty minutes in 1,026 regular-season games in Ottawa.