CHICAGO _ Stars winger Patrick Sharp sat at his locker stall Thursday looking like someone ready for a break.
He shoulders were slumped and he breathed deeply as he talked about his family and the upcoming offseason, during which he will need hip surgery.
The Stars are out of playoff contention, marking the first time since his 2007-08 season with the Blackhawks that Sharp will miss the postseason. Sharp's contract expires after the season, and he's ready for whatever is next.
"It's been a tough season, that's for sure," Sharp, 35, said. "There's a lot of different reasons as to why it's tough, but we're sticking together as a team. ... It'll be tough watching the playoffs, but that's the position I'm in. Nobody feels sorry for me or the team. We have to find a way to get out of it."
Because he's on an expiring deal, Sharp was a candidate to be moved at the trade deadline, like former teammate Johnny Oduya. But Sharp's injury kept him from being dealt. He still can skate and wants to play out the season before having the surgery.
Sharp, who had eight goals and 10 assists in 46 games entering Thursday's at the United Center, also has battled concussion issues this season.
He said the novelty of playing his former team has worn off. He has watched the Hawks in his spare time and isn't surprised by their success.
"It seems like every young player they inject into the lineup brings something to help them win, and that's a credit to the organization ... to (general manager) Stan (Bowman) and his staff of having great depth," Sharp said. "You surround those speedy young skill players with the players here already and good things are going to happen."
