Sergei Zubov on the Hunt for a Team

Even though he has lost a step and only played 10 games last season due to a nagging hip injury, there are still plenty of teams lining up to sign two-time Stanley Cup winner Sergei Zubov.

This 39-year-old defenseman, who was originally a fifth round draft choice by the New York Rangers way back in 1990, has spent the past 12 seasons thrilling fans in Dallas and played a key role in helping the Stars win their first Stanley Cup in 1999.

Realizing that he is in the stretch run of his stellar career, Zubov, who won his first Cup in 1994 with the Rangers, has recently voiced a desire for a change of scenery.

“Sergei wants to be in a winning environment no matter where that might be,” agent Jay Grossman said about the highest-scoring Russian blue-liner who has 771 career points. “He’s had a great run there.”

If he does, indeed, sign elsewhere this offseason, fans will likely most remember him for that magical, stellar 1999 playoff spring when he scored 13 points and was solid defensively in posting a +13.

Since scoring 71 points in 2006, Zubov has seen his production sharply decline. Still, according to reports, there are nine teams, including the New York Rangers, who are very interested in signing Zubov, who recently got a clean bill of health. He brings veteran experience and can still produce on the power play, which attracts a lot of teams.

Still, the Stars have not given up the possibility of convincing the veteran to play another year in the Lone Star State.

“We have not closed the door on Sergei,” said new Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk.

This offseason, the Stars, who missed the playoffs this past season, have undergone a couple of off-ice changes, which also includes a new coach in Marc Crawford.

Rumors have been circulating that Zubov, who made $5.35 million last season, will sign with the Rangers.