Earlier this summer, there were reports on the likelihood that a 17-season NHL veteran would hang up his skates prior to the start of the 2023-24 campaign. After suiting up in 73 games for the Carolina Hurricanes last season, Paul Stastny seemed to have retirement in his mind. However, the 37-year-old has now pivoted and would like one more kick at the can. The catch? He won't sign a PTO.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, arguably the top NHL Insider in the game, Stastny will only return next season if he is offered a guaranteed deal. He won't entertain the idea of a professional tryout.
The 1,145-games NHL veteran has spent time with the Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes over the course of a 17-season NHL career. Stastny managed to produce a respectable 822 points (293 goals, 529 assists), 500 penalty minutes and is a plus-54. He's also contributed 73 points in 118 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
I'd imagine that with all of his experience and the fact that he can play either center or wing, Stastny will appeal to at least one NHL team. The primary issue here might be that a league minimum deal might be the only one available - and there's no guarantee that a contending team will want to commit a roster spot to a declining asset, who will turn 38 before the calendar flips to January. Simply put, if Stastny wants to play another season, he may have to begin with a bottom-feeder and hope for a trade to a contending team as a depth piece at the deadline.
