Jan Mursak has finally made up his mind, and the former Detroit Red Wings forward is of a mind to have a go at one last hurrah.
After weighing his decision for much of the summer, the 38-year-old Mursak has made the determination that he will play a farewell season for Austrian club EC-KAC of the European League ICEHL.
Admittedly, he had been leaning toward retirement, but was swayed to play again.
“I’ve decided to play another season, but this will truly be my last,” Mursak said on the team’s website. “The players, coaching staff, team doctors, management, and fans have treated me very well in Klagenfurt so far, and I’m truly grateful for that.
“This is especially true for General Manager Oliver Pilloni and Head Coach Kirk Furey. They gave me plenty of time this summer to think everything through carefully and make a decision free from pressure. A decision that now feels absolutely right.
“Our team looks strong. We have a good chance of competing for the championship again, and I’m really looking forward to contributing to a successful year together.”
He will be playing his 19th pro season and fourth with EC-KAC.
Mursak the only Slovenian to play for the Red Wings
Mursak played 46 games for Detroit from 2010-13. He also spent time with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, winning a Calder Cup title in 2012-13.
The only Slovenian to play for the Red Wings, he represented his country in two Olympic Games. Mursak was captain of Slovenia at the 2018 Winter Olympiad.
Mursak signed a one-year contract as a player for EC-KAC. He also agreed to join the club in a player development role the following season.
“Jan Mursak remains a game-changer in our league, a player every team would love to have,” Pilloni said. “Even during last season, he and his wife decided they wanted to stay in Carinthia, regardless of his hockey career, which underscores his deep connection to our region.
“Since the season didn’t end as we had all hoped, he soon made it clear that he didn’t want to end his career that way. We are delighted that Jan Muršak will remain with us for another season as a player and beyond, also in a different role within the organization.
“His experience and attitude will benefit his teammates and, later, our next generation of players.”