VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - With the NHL lockout showing few signs of being resolved, Mike Commodore decided he had to take action.

And his decision to sign a 25-game professional tryout offer with the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs wasn't just an effort to salvage a season; he's doing it to prolong his career.

The 33-year-old blue-liner was among a long list of unrestricted NHL free agents who were left in limbo when the NHL collective bargaining agreement expired Sept. 15. Teams raced to sign younger players before the CBA expired, but took a pass on older unrestricted free agents until new financial parameters were established.

Commodore considered playing in Europe, but opted for a loop that he knows, where he hopes playing in front of NHL scouts and GMs will pay off should the NHL season be salvaged.