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notoriousTRON · 12-16-2021, 03:51 PM

According to a source in the Toronto North Stars organization, veteran forward Rhys Pritchard may be headed for Free Agency. The Toronto winger, who put up 64 points for the Stars this season, isn't ruling out a return to Toronto, however. "I'm getting to the point in my career where I need to be selective about my next contract because it could be my last one. I want to make sure I put myself in the best position to achieve the ultimate goal in the SHL, which is to win a Challenge Cup."

Pritchard added that this decision was very difficult for him. "There's a part of me that feels really guilty talking about leaving when there is unfinished business in Toronto. Some of my best friends are in that locker room and the fans in that city deserve a cup. But the thing is, you only get so many years to play this sport before it passes you up."

Asked about what he'd be looking for in a new team, Pritchard responded. "I think there are a lot of factors but the biggest ones for me are competitiveness and locker room fit. There are a lot of teams that can say that they are competitive in this league, but Toronto set a high bar in terms of a team atmosphere where you felt supported and loved. I'm going to miss that about that place."

Pritchard was taken 4th overall in the S52 SHL draft and has played 8 seasons in Toronto. Over that span, he has recorded 374 points over 496 games including 39 goals and 25 assists last season. Toronto, who once looked poised to take over as a top team in the league has regressed the past few seasons to a middle of the pack team. In S62, they finished 32-29-5 for 69 points which was 7th in the Eastern Conference and were swept by Buffalo in the 1st round.