Veteran defenceman Chris Chelios has played in the NHL for more than two decades. (David Zalubowski/Associated Press)

Chris Chelios wants to continue his NHL career.

The 47-year-old defenceman won't be returning to the Detroit Red Wings — a team he's been a member of for the past 10 seasons — but said Wednesday that he wants to sign with another NHL team.

Chelios, who owns a local sports bar in Detroit, won't uproot his family to pursue a fourth NHL team. He would prefer a return to the Eastern Conference where travel would be easier.

"Absolutely no regrets, " he said of his time with the Red Wings. "I had the best 10 years in Detroit."

Chelios said his agent will start contacting teams on July 1, a date when he officially becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The longtime veteran has won three Stanley Cups during his 25-year career, beginning with his first title with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986. He earned two more with the Wings in 2002 and 2008. Chelios also spent nine seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks.

"I just want to see if I can get the opportunity with another team and if I can contribute," he said.

Chelios has scored 185 goals and 948 points in 1,644 games.

"Who would have thought, with what I did for Chicago to the city of Detroit, that I would be able to make this kind of relationship?" Chelios asked.

He played in only 28 games in the regular season and six in the playoffs for the Wings this season, failing to register a point during that time.

With files from The Associated Press