Unsigned Matt Cooke: 'I have fire in my belly'

Matt Cooke is looking for work.

The veteran forward, bought out by the Minnesota Wild in June, is skating every day south of Minneapolis and is hoping to continue his NHL career, according to the Star Tribune's Michael Russo.

This is the first time I’ve had to go through it. I knew it was coming. I just thought it might be after next year as opposed to this year, but it’s the cards that I’ve been dealt.

I was hurt last year. There was some mismanagement on my (hip) injury, and part of that is my fault. It led to me getting hurt twice in one season. I'm 36 years old, I only played 30 games last year and then me getting bought out, that’s a tough scenario (to find a job).

Patience is a virtue and right now all I'm doing is making sure I stay ready, that I get ready. We're still three weeks away (from camp).

Cooke will turn 37 in early September, and knows he may be at the end of the line.

I’ve been blessed to play this game for 17 years and make a living out of it and provide opportunity for my family. I have fire in my belly, I still feel I can play, I worked hard to make sure if I get the opportunity that I can contribute to whatever team gives me a chance.

If it doesn’t come into fruition, I'm not going to get upset. It'll be an opportunity to spend time with my family 24/7 for the first time in awhile.

Cooke played in only 29 games last season, tallying four goals and six assists, and adding two assists in seven playoff games. He made $3 million, and had a cap hit of $2.5 million.

In 1,046 career games, Cooke has 167 goals and 231 assists. He was drafted in the sixth round in 1997 by the Vancouver Canucks.