NHL

Ex-Devil, Ranger Shanahan wants to keep playing

The NHL’s leading active career goal-scorer wants to remain that way, the Post has learned.

Brendan Shanahan’s agent, Rick Curran, said the 40-year-old right wing, cut by the Devils on Sept. 30, is seeking another suitable place to add to his 656 career goals.

“Brendan wants to continue his career,” Curran said.

Sources say that at least one NHL team has indicated interest in the 21-year veteran. Shanahan is an unrestricted free agent after the Devils terminated his $1 million contract, signed in August.

After the Devils dropped him from the team, citing a desire to test their younger wingers, New Jersey received a special exemption to temporarily list him as a “non-roster” player, with the collective bargaining agreement listing examples of such use as bereavement and birth of a child.

The Devils then placed him on waivers and once he cleared, assigned him to their farm team. Shanahan, who never played in the minors, did not report, and the Devils were free to terminate his contract.

According to NHL sources, there was no signing bonus in Shanahan’s deal, and he does not receive that terminated salary, and is not supposed to receive any compensation for re-signing with New Jersey, aside from training camp allowances.

He initially re-joined the Devils Jan. 15 on a pro-rated $800G deal as an unrestricted, returning to the team that drafted him in the first round, second overall, in 1987.

Shanahan is believed to be skating in New York to remain in shape in case an opportunity arises. He wanted to remain in the Metropolitan area to be near his family, and also play with a contender, but may have to adjust those preferences to play a 22nd season.

Though Shanahan is an unrestricted free agent, Curran said that Shanahan would not be likely to consider returning to the Devils if they regretted their move.

The separation may not have been all that amicable.