A slew of injuries and stagnant contract negotiations aren't going to keep Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis from wanting to produce at the NHL level.
The 33-year-old appears to be on his way out of Vancouver and is ready to step into the role he's accustomed to: a top blue-liner on a competitive team.
"I believe I have many good years of hockey left," Hamhuis told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. "I played in the Olympics two years ago. Last year, there were two major injuries and in the last 10 weeks I played my best hockey in a long time. I've got lots of 'top-4 D' hockey left in me, and my goal in summer traininig is to be the best defenseman on my new team. I will find a team that values what I do."
Hamhuis noted he was hopeful an extension would come from the Canucks up until early June, but realized the team may be moving in a different direction.
Despite the potential departure from his hometown team, Hamhuis was adamant he's not bitter with the way things played out.
"No, no. I don't want people to think that. I believe all their talk was genuine," he said. "This is a fluid business. You're not sure what the cap is going to be, what trades are out there. Ownership treated us unbelievably well here."
Friedman mentioned Hamhuis has spoken to three teams and the rearguard would prefer playing for a contender in the latter stages of his career.
"I'm still very competitive," Hamhuis said. "It's more fun winning."
