Jordin Tootoo says he still has 'a lot to give' to an NHL team
Detroit Red Wings may buy out contract
Nunavut hockey star Jordin Tootoo says he still has a lot to give and hopes to remain in the National Hockey League.
Tootoo cleared waivers today, meaning the rest of his contract with the Detroit Red Wings was not picked up by another NHL team. That now sets the stage for Detroit to buy out the last year of his contract.
Tootoo, who is an Inuk from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, can then be picked up by another National Hockey League team after the free agency period opens at the beginning of July.
Tootoo says after spending three quarters of the past season in the minors because of salary cap issues his ultimate goal is to get back into the NHL.
Tootoo says he found out about the waivers situation Wednesday night in Yellowknife, as he was returning from a community tour of Nunavut's Kitkmeot region, where he didn't have cell service.
He wouldn't say if he has a team he'd prefer to play with.
"I have so much to offer to any team that hopefully signs me," he said. "So right now I'm going to keep going here day by day, work hard in the gym and hopefully get another chance."