Veteran Defenseman Looking to Make NHL Comeback Next Season

It's been a tough few years for NHL defenseman Karl Alzner as he's been on the outside looking in. The ex-Montreal Canadiens defenseman was bought out last October and all he wants is another shot at the show.

The 32-year-old admitted recently to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman that it hasn't always been easy to grind this part of his career, and he's looking to get back into the league with a giant chip on his shoulder:

I’m open to anything, willing to go anywhere. I have something to prove, and if anyone’s looking to bring in someone with a chip on their shoulder, I’d be the guy.

Friedman went on to point out Alzner trains in the offseason out in Western Canada with a long list of NHL talent, including Shea Weber, Joel Edmundson, Brayden and Luke Schenn and many more. He's tried to refine his skating by doing the same edge work Connor McDavid does and as Alzner put it, he's ready to accept any assignment. Alzner has played 686 career NHL games, scoring 20 goals and adding 110 assists.

While there won't be a ton of interest once free-agency begins, Alzner is a candidate for a two-way contract this summer, with an invite to training camp to show off his skills. It won't be easy, but the time is now for Alzner to prove he still belongs. Let's just hope one team gives him a shot.