Coach Chelios still looking to extend his playing career

When Team USA general manager Brian Burke called Chris Chelios and invited him to be a special assistant coach at this week's Olympic orientation camp, the 47-year-old defenseman jumped at the opportunity.

But that doesn't mean Chelios is ready to turn in his hockey gear for a whistle even with his 48th birthday approaching in January.

"It's awkward, but it's an honor to be here," Chelios said Tuesday. "It's strange sitting in the coaches' room. I don't think I'm ready for that. I still consider myself a player.

"I don't think it's a question of whether I can coach. It's a matter of if I want to."

Chelios remains an unrestricted free agent without a team with NHL training camps now less than a month away.

Chelios has an offer to play in Russia, which he likely won't accept due to family reasons. He said he also has been in touch with Chicago Wolves chairman Don Levin about playing for the American Hockey League franchise.

"That's an option," Chelios said. "I want to be playing somewhere at the beginning of the year whether it's in the minors or somewhere just to be in shape in case something happens.

"I'm at the point where I'm ready to listen to anybody."

Chelios has had some "nibbles" from NHL teams, but many of them are going with younger defensemen because of salary cap reasons.

"A lot of teams have got guys signed or have cap issues," Chelios said. "I fully intend to play somewhere. I think there are a lot of teams I could help."

Getting perspective: Before the 34 players arrived at the Olympic orientation camp they were required to read the Afghanistan war book "Lone Survivor," by Marcus Luttrell, the only person to survive Operation Redwing.

"I was like, 'What does that have to do with hockey?'" Patrick Kane said. "But after reading the book you know why they had us read it. It's all about teamwork and not leaving a man behind."

USA Hockey officials also had a group of veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan meet with the players on Monday.

"Just to hear the guys' stories it makes what we do for a living very minimal," Kane said. "To hear guys talk about amputated legs and being blown up by suicide bombers, it's just crazy what they do for us. It's unbelievable to have their support."

Book it? USA Hockey officials were mum on speculation that the 23-man Olympic team roster would be announced on New Year's Day during NBC's broadcast of the Winter Classic between Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers at Fenway Park.