Quote:
Originally Posted by dissentowner
Exactly. So he developed this problem in 2013 and managed it up until his contract started paying him 1M a year and the Blackhawks desperately needed cap relief. Do you think if the Hawks did not have cap issues, were a contending team, and he was still banking big dollars he would not still be managing it? I am pretty sure he would. I mean good for both parties for finding a way to circumvent the system but it is pretty obvious what this was.
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He played with a skin issue for 5 years. How long would you do that?
His last year, he had 26 goals. His production was actual .1 ppg better than the year before.
Clearly, Marian Hossa still had game.
Even at $5M, a 20G/35-40 Point Hossa would have been valuable for Chicago. It’s not a Brouwer situation where the guy has negative value on the ice.
Instead, a medical issue that was severe enough to require ongoing treatment for 5 years caught up with him.
It is what it is.
And back on topic, Alex Steen would be playing hockey if his back wasn’t ####ed.
That’s my point. Every one of these guys would play forever and play for free if you let them.
Datsyuk didn’t go back to Russia to fish.
Pronger didn’t take a job with the NHL because he was passionate about player safety.
Jagr just started his 32nd pro season.
Chelios rode the bus in the AHL at age 46 because he loved the game that much.
Mike Fisher, Justin Williams, Joe Thornton, on and on and on - this sport is personified by guys who don’t know when to quit. Hossa was so stubborn he went to three straight finals with three different teams.
That guy’s not quitting the game and the life a year after 26 goals if he can wear his equipment comfortably.
The only guy I can actually recall saying “nah I’m good” and walking away from his ghost year is Kiprusoff.