"Bill Guerin has more pressing concerns, of course.

Like helping the Penguins to elevate their play for the stretch drive, and keep it there.

Defending the Stanley Cup championship they earned last spring.

And simply beating the New York Islanders at 7:38 tonight at Mellon Arena.

But there are times, Guerin allowed Tuesday, when his thoughts drift beyond this season, when he contemplates what he would like to be doing in the fall.

That's no surprise, given that Guerin is 39 years old. And neither is the conclusion he invariably reaches.

"I think about it a lot," he said. "There hasn't been a day that's come around where I've said I haven't felt like playing next year."

Guerin could change his mind, of course, and decide at some point that, regardless of how the 2009-10 season plays out, it would be best to walk away from the game.

And it certainly is possible that -- even if he is adamant about returning -- the Penguins won't have room for him on their payroll or their roster.

But those are issues for another day, probably months from now, after some of the team's other personnel issues come a bit more into focus.

"That's a bridge we'll cross down the road," Guerin said. "This isn't the time for that. [General manager Ray Shero] has got other guys [to sign]. We'll deal with it. I'm in no rush."

There probably is no reason for him to be, because it's hardly as if the Penguins have been easing him out of their plans. Guerin, acquired from the Islanders in a deadline-day deal last year, has spent virtually all of his time here as Sidney Crosby's right wing and has maintained a fairly regular presence on the score sheet."