The Thrashers' search for new leaders might not end when they find a coach.

Captain Bobby Holik expects to be playing for another NHL team next season.

CHRIS O'MEARA/AP (ENLARGE)

Will Bobby Holik be with the Thrashers next season? The captain sure doesn't think so.

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Holik, 37, becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if he remains unsigned by the Thrashers. He said "there's absolutely no effort on their part" to sign him.

"I'm pretty much resigned to the fact I'm not going to be part of their future," Holik said Wednesday. "I've got to look forward.

"It doesn't hurt me. I feel bad for some of the younger players, because they're going to have a third captain in three years, very likely."

Three captains in three years would be unusual but far from unprecedented. The Pittsburgh Penguins, another young team, had Mario Lemieux as captain in 2005-06, then four alternate captains in 2006-07, then Sidney Crosby as captain in 2007-08, when they reached the Stanley Cup finals. The Nashville Predators had different captains the past three seasons and made the playoffs every time.

Holik made $4.25 million last season and ranked third on the team with 15 goals. The Thrashers were 34-40-8.

The Thrashers have six other unrestricted free agents — forwards Eric Boulton, Mark Recchi and Steve Rucchin, defensemen Mark Popovic and Steve McCarthy and goalie Johan Hedberg. The team has not announced any signings.

Thrashers general manager Don Waddell disputed Holik's description of the situation, but declined to elaborate Thursday.

McCarthy said he has had no communication with the team since the season ended in April. With the Thrashers, though, that's not necessarily a sign they lack interest. McCarthy didn't sign last year until June 26.

But Holik said he would have preferred to hear from the Thrashers before now.

"Two weeks, three weeks away [from the free agent deadline], I definitely don't want to talk now," Holik said, but he added he'd be happy to speak with Waddell and others in July.

"I'm not closing any doors," he said. "I've got options. I look forward to free agency."