DENVER -- Mario Lemieux likes life on NHL ice so much, he's definitely doing a reprise next season. And perhaps beyond that.
"It is something I have been thinking about quite a bit the last couple of weeks, and I decided I am going to play at least a couple of more years," said Lemieux at a morning news conference in advance of Saturday's All-Star practice. "I'm going to finish this year and play next year, then see how it goes.
|  | | Penguins center/owner Mario Lemieux confirmed that he will play at least through next season, although he's still negotiating a deal with himself. |
"I am having a lot of fun now that I am back in the game. It is something that I've missed quite a bit the last three years, and I am glad that I have another opportunity at it. And I am going to play as long as my body allows."
Lemieux has a contract through the end of the season, and technically, he'll be an unrestricted free agent. But considering he owns the Penguins, negotiations shouldn't be too contentious. When asked about his contract status, Lemieux joked, "We are negotiating right now."
That sense of humor for the situation shows how much Lemieux has grown accustomed and comfortable with his unique situation as star athlete and franchise owner. What began as a surreal gesture -- an owner putting the suit and tie away to play professional hockey -- continues to grow as a story. With his 16 goals and 32 points in just 16 games, it's obvious Lemieux can still dominate the game at 35 and after a three-and-a-half year layoff.
"A guy like Lemieux could probably still do it when he's 50," fellow All-Star Scott Niedermayer remarked.
In addition, he has sold out every arena he's been to, and although that won't continue in perpetuity, there's no doubt his presence in Pittsburgh's lineup translates into millions of dollars both for the franchise he owns and the league as a whole.
Lemieux's confirmed return next season opens the door for his participation in next year's Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. And on Friday, after the Canadian management got together for their preliminary selection meetings, Wayne Gretzky made it clear Lemieux's involvement will be welcomed.
"I think it is pretty safe to say he is on our list," said Gretzky, tongue in cheek.
"I'd love to play for the Olympic team," Lemieux said before practicing for his first All-Star Game since 1997. "Absolutely. No question about it. I think it is going to be very exciting and we should have a great team, and I certainly want to be a big part of it."
Lemieux has played in the Canada Cup, but he has never played for Canada in Olympic competition.
Brian A. Shactman covers the NHL for ESPN.com. He can be reached at brian.shactman@espn.com.
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 Mario Lemieux would like to play for as long as his body allows him to.
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