Stanley Cup champion Oduya taking his game to… Thailand!?

Normally when a veteran NHLer decides to call it a career and hang up the skates they take a break from hockey for a bit, chill out with the family and get some much deserved rest and relaxation. Others, like prominent former players Steve Yzerman and Joe Sakic, jump right back into the game and work in management. Then there’s Johnny Oduya… he’s a little bit different.

The former New Jersey Devils, Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman, who won a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015 retired this past offseason, but isn’t quite ready to give up the game for good. So he’s taking his game to… Thailand?

Check out this report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman’s latest 31 Thoughts column in which he reports that Oduya is expected to suit up in Bangok for the Siam Hockey League later this week:

During the 2012-13 lockout, Johnny Oduya ended up playing in Thailand. He spoke glowingly of the experience, telling the Bangkok Post he would consider doing it again after his NHL days. The 37-year-old, who played 850 games with New Jersey, Atlanta, Winnipeg, Chicago, Dallas, Ottawa and Philadelphia, is expected back in that country for games as early as Thursday. Known as the Siam Hockey League, it is for expats who live in Thailand and want to lace up the skates.

Again… that’s one way to spend your retirement. Good luck, Johnny!