© The Edmonton Journal
Published: Sunday, August 24

PHOENIX - Tyson Nash, who has not played in the NHL since his two-season stint ended with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2006, will get a tryout next month with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"I'm gonna give it one more last kick at the can," the Sherwood Park native told the Arizona Republic.

Nash, 33, played part of the 2006-07 season with the San Antonio Rampage and then was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing 54 games with their AHL team. Toward the end of 2007, he went to Japan and played with the Nippon Paper Cranes of the Asia League. The club advanced to the playoffs and lost in the championship round.

They were very generous on pay, they take care of everything," Nash said. "They treat you like a king. Life is good. It was a great, great experience." He said most players are skilled and fast.

"I really enjoyed it," he said. "It was a ton of fun. Believe it or not, hockey is really pretty decent over there. I would say probably a little bit below the American League." But after that venture, and having to readjust to the minors, he's ready for the big time again.