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Eric Fehr thinks he can still play in the NHL

2016 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Six

SAN JOSE, CA - JUNE 12: Eric Fehr #16 of the Pittsburgh Penguins warms up with a sticker on his helmet in honor of NHL legend Gordie Howe prior to Game Six of the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Final against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on June 12, 2016 in San Jose, California. Howe passed away on June 10 at the age of 88. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

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Eric Fehr’s unlikely to prove why he was a first-round pick (18th overall in 2003), but he’ll settle for keeping his fledgling NHL career alive.

The 31-year-old provided some interesting insight on trying to keep up with the youngsters in this interview with the Toronto Sun’s Paul Friesen, with some of his comments inspiring more confidence than others.

There’s even some stuff that could probably qualify for “best shape of my life” designation.

As Fehr stands on the sidelines, he believes he still has something to give at the NHL level.

“I feel like I have a lot of miles left,” Fehr said. “I’ve been injured so much, my games are relatively low, considering my age. I feel like I can play, and I’m super-excited for this season, the way the off-season training has gone.”

Fehr managed to avoid AHL duty in 2016-17, managing to play one regular-season game with the Toronto Maple Leafs and 52 with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Fehr’s experience and size would likely be his two biggest calling cards at this point. Fehr played in 23 games during the Penguins’ 2016 Stanley Cup run, which is the point he’d be wise to emphasize a lot more than being limited to three goals and one assist during that span.

One would guess that a PTO would be the best bet for Fehr, particularly as a forward who’s dealt with injury issues for years. He probably tops out as a depth forward at this point, so Fehr has some work to do to prolong his NHL career.