Chelios Re-ups with Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings announced on Tuesday that they have re-signed veteran defenseman Chris Chelios. Financial terms of the one-year deal were not announced.

Chelios, 45, was the league’s oldest player last season. He has previously stated that he would like to play until age 51, one year younger than Gordie Howe’s record of 52.

Detroit alternate captain Kris Draper praised Chelios for his work ethic and resiliancy.

“The one thing you could say about this year’s playoffs is everybody stepped up on the back end with all the injuries we had. And nobody did that better than Cheli. Guys went down and he kept playing more minutes. It’s unbelievable what he’s able to do.”

With Chelios signed, Red Wings’ general manager Ken Holland’s focus turns to goaltender Dominik Hasek.

Hasek’s agent, Rich Winter, told the Canadian media earlier this week that the goalie has made his decision on whether or not to return for another season and will tell the Wings in the next couple days.