Free-agent Leopold not banking on letter this time: 'I wish it were that easy'

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Jordan Leopold's daughter might be writing another letter, but there's no guarantee it'll help this time around.

In one of the feel-good stories from last season, the veteran defenseman was sent to his native Minnesota Wild by the Columbus Blue Jackets prior to the NHL's trade deadline, after which it was learned his daughter wrote a letter to the Wild requesting a trade to the team.

Leopold, who turns 35 on Aug. 3, is an unrestricted free agent, and appears unlikely to return to the Wild, leaving his hockey future in doubt.

But he won't be mailing any letter to potential suitors.

"I wish it were that easy," he told Michael Rand of the Star Tribune.

The opportunity to play at home, even for a short time, could be the best way to go out, should he not find his way onto another roster come training camp.

Leopold said:

This is the latest I’ve ever waited to see if I’m playing or not. After doing this for 13 years, it’s been a great experience. If it doesn’t end up working out, then it doesn’t work out. I can’t say I haven’t been there or done that. I’ve seen it all.

Of course I’d like to keep playing, but coming home this year with my family and experiencing what I did, I don’t think I could really go out with a better send-off if that’s the case.

Leopold recorded one assist in 18 regular-season games with the Wild, and appeared in nine playoff games.

All told, he has skated in 695 NHL games, with 67 goals, 147 assists, and a trip to the Stanley Cup FInal in 2004 as a member of the Calgary Flames to his credit.