Brookbank on tryout with Flames: 'At the end of the day you just want to stay in the NHL'

Defenseman Sheldon Brookbank confirmed Friday that he'll be heading to Calgary Flames' training camp on a professional basis, telling the Chicago Tribune he would have preferred to remain with the cash-strapped Blackhawks, but ultimately just wants a shot at keeping his career going.

The Hawks said that they liked me and they’d like to have me back if it worked but obviously they’re a little strapped under the cap. It didn’t quite pan out as I’d hoped. It’s not to say that it’s totally over and done with. You never know what could happen from now until the start of the season. As for now, I’m moving on and I’m going to Calgary and I’m going to try to make their team.

It definitely would have been nice to stay with the Hawks but … at the end of the day you just want to stay in the NHL. That is your goal first and foremost.

The undrafted 33-year-old appeared in 74 games for Chicago over the course of the past two seasons, contributing three goals and five assists and racking up 73 minutes in penalties.

“I think there’s a real opportunity [in Calgary],” Brookbank said. “I know they have six guys there they want and they have a few good young players but I think there’s a place where I might have a chance."

In 351 career games with the Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, Anaheim Ducks and Blackhawks, Brookbank registered seven goals, 37 assists and 473 penalty minutes. The latter stat may endear him to Calgary's brass, who definitely value a certain amount of truculence in the lineup.

Brookbank added, "Being part of the [2013] Cup team is something that I’ll never forget."