NHL Lockout 2012: Marty St. Louis concerned about career

Tampa Bay Lightning winger Martin St. Louis is worried the NHL lockout is going to put a damper on the end of his career, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

St. Louis said he wants to "finish with a bang."

"I know I can play a few more years in this league. I don't feel I'm at the end of my rope. But obviously I have to make sure that I keep sharpening my skills, stay sharp with my training. I have to get on the ice somehow."

St. Louis, 37, still has the option to play in Europe, but he won't do that unless it's clear the NHL will cancel its season, he said. But he also has a family to consider if he wants to make that move.

The 13-year veteran has been in the league since 1998. The 2003-2004 NHL MVP played in just 77 games last year, his lowest total since 2001-2002. He notched 74 points on the strength of a team-high 49 assists.

Despite his stats decreasing last season, St. Louis averaged 22 minutes, 37 seconds of ice time – second-best among NHL forwards.

The University of Vermont graduate is under contract with the Lightning through the 2014-2015 season, when he will be 39 years old.