Chelios to return for 25th NHL season

DETROIT, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Chris Chelios, a second-round choice in the 1981 NHL draft, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings that gives him a 25th season in the NHL.

Chelios, 46, had three goals and 12 points over 69 regular-season games as a defenseman for Detroit last season. He also appeared in 14 playoff games but not in the Stanley Cups finals against Pittsburgh.

"Obviously in my situation and age and being on the best team in the league -- you have some young guys on the team that you have to play or you're going to lose them. So, I understand the situation and I love playing here," said Chelios.

The Red Wings' 2008 Stanley Cup win marked the third championship for Chelios. He was on NHL title teams in 1986 with Montreal and Detroit in 2002.

Chelios was taken in the second round of the 1981 draft by Montreal and made his NFL debut in the 1983-84 season with the Canadiens. He spent seven seasons with Montreal before moving to Chicago, where he played 1990-99, and then Detroit. He has appeared in 1,616 games, recording 185 goals and 948 total points.