AGING LIGHTS MIGHT HAVE LITTLE TIME LEFT.

Byline: MATT McHALE NHL 

DETROIT - Scott Stevens isn't worried the New Jersey Devils won't make the playoffs or that all the players he smacked around over the years are looking for payback.

Stevens' biggest fear is that he is facing the final months of his long and distinguished NHL career.

Stevens still is at the top of his game at age 39, but with a looming labor battle over a new collective-bargaining agreement, any prolonged shutdown could mean the end for some of the game's biggest names.

``A big part of my future hinges on next year,'' Stevens said. ``It would be the last year of my contract, and to come back after that - the whole thing makes me sad. You think about the whole thing and wonder if it is just time to move on.''

Stevens could walk away with three Stanley Cups and maybe another in June. But beyond the glory is the day-to-day interaction with teammates that former players say they miss most.

Teams have been gearing most contracts to expire after this season to give flexibility in the event of a long labor battle. Older players also had a hard time finding work in the offseason. Unrestricted free agents such as former Mighty Ducks Steve Thomas and Adam Oates were not asked back and only caught on with teams after the season began and the market bottomed out.

There are at least 10 elite players, including Stevens, who might be looking at their final games, and that list does not include Mario Lemieux, who probably will retire before a potential Sept. 15 lockout.

Here is a closer look:

Mark Messier, C, N.Y. Rangers, age 42: Hockey's ageless wonder is leading the Rangers in goals. If not for his leadership, this team would be a far bigger mess than it is right now. But he turns 43 in January. Left New York for Vancouver seven years ago because the club thought he was too old. Fitness fanatic and only active player to participate in the outdoor old-timers' game two weeks ago in Edmonton.

Luc Robitaille, LW, Kings, 37: Youngest member of the group, and his 636 goals one day will put him in the Hall of Fame. Even with all the injuries to teammates, he is in a deep slump and scouts wonder whether he still can keep up 5-on-5. Signed one-year deal with the Kings in July and wants to finish his career here. At his best when trying to prove his critics wrong, but it will be tough to come back from a year off.

Ron Francis, C, Carolina, 40: Among top three in games played all time, active leader in assists and a two-time Stanley Cup winner with Pittsburgh in the early 1990s. But a move to left wing this season was a disaster, and a return to center hasn't been much better. Carolina went from a Cup finalist to the worst team in hockey in less than 12 months. The Hurricanes have Eric Staal, 19, in one of the top center spots. The clock is ticking.

Adam Oates, C, Edmonton, 41:: Back-to-back assist titles just two seasons ago. Played a critical role in the Ducks' march to the Cup Finals last June but didn't play well against New Jersey. Went unsigned last summer, hung out in Palm Springs playing golf and wasn't in shape when the Oilers signed him last month. There is a good chance he won't get through this season.

Chris Chelios, D, Detroit, 41: With a whopping plus-minus of plus-48 in 1999-2000 and plus-40 two years ago, he and Nicklas Lidstrom anchored the Red Wings' blue line. But last year that number dropped to plus-4. Turns 42 in January. Detroit will have to start getting younger one of these years, though it leads the Central Division again this season.

Dave Andreychuk, LW, Tampa Bay, 40: NHL's all-time leader with 260 power-play goals, he has struggled this season after the team tried to move him to the right side. Had only one goal during the club's record success in October. At plus-38 seven years ago with New Jersey, he has been a minus-12 each of the past two years. Hasn't won a Cup during 22-year career and time is running out.

Al MacInnis, D, St. Louis, 40: The former Norris Trophy winner (1999) and Blues captain is learning the hard way what life is like without hockey. MacInnis was forced to undergo surgery on both eyes early in the season and probably won't be back. Vision is partially restored and he regularly attends home games. Such a presence in the dressing room, MacInnis won't be replaced as captain this year.

Igor Larionov, C, New Jersey, 43: Credits his longevity to red wine and proved it by playing 74 games last season in Detroit. A member of Russia's formidable Olympic team two years ago in Salt Lake City, Larionov played 11 seasons in Russia before his 14-year NHL career. Signed with the Devils and is averaging a respectable 14 minutes a game.

Steve Thomas, LW, Detroit, 40: After just four goals in 69 games with the Blackhawks, scored 10 goals in 12 games for the Ducks after last year's trade deadline. He was not brought back despite a shortage of forwards. Never played for a Stanley Cup winner but has more than 400 goals and is averaging 14 minutes a game for the Red Wings.

CAPTION(S):

3 boxes

Box:

(1) FROM THE BLUE LINES

(2) Daily News/CBS 2/KCAL 9 SPORTS CENTRAL POWER RANKINGS

- Matt McHale

(3) WHAT'S ON

Kings at St. Louis