Islanders' Marek Zidlicky: This season is my 'last chance'
New York Islanders defenseman Marek Zidlicky doesn't sound like he plans to play beyond the upcoming season, but he is leaving the door open.
“I'm 38,” Zidlicky told Tom Gulitti of The Record with a laugh. “You think I have more than that?”
The 11-year veteran signed a one-year deal with the Islanders worth a reported $1.5 million last week.
Zidlicky said he considers the 2015-16 season his "last chance".
When Gulitti brought up Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr, who is still playing at age 43, Zidlicky was quick to praise his Czech Republic countryman.
"Jags is different," he said.
Zidlicky chipped in 11 points in 21 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season after arriving in a trade from the New Jersey Devils.
“I'm happy I can play one more year and we'll see after that what happens,” he added.
“I said right away after the season it could be possible I will retire or we will see. You never know. It's tough for everybody. It doesn't matter if you are 38 or 28. That's the business right now.”