Inside The Penalty Box 08.26.08: Retire Or Return?

Posted by Neil Borenstein on 08.26.2008

At a time in professional athletics when players retire without even thinking and return in much the same fashion, it is a reprieve to know that some athletes won’t rush into a decision. In the NHL, four of the league’s best players are still contemplating their future, though each in a different capacity. In this edition of Inside The Penalty Box, Neil Borenstein takes a look at the decisions ahead for Mats Sundin, Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg and Brendan Shanahan. Additionally, Rod Oracheski contributes interviews from the weekend with Montreal Canadiens free agent signee Georges Laraque and Washington Capitals No. 1 defenseman, Mike Green!

To begin this week's Inside the Penalty Box, we have a special treat. This past weekend, 411's own Rod Oracheski met up with Montreal Canadiens free agent signee forward Georges Laraque and defenseman Mike Green, who signed a four-year extension with the Washington Capitals this summer. Rod had the opportunity to interview both players, which he kindly passed along for this column.

Interview With Georges Laraque
Rod Orachseski: What was the experience like helping a young Pittsburgh Penguins squad make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals last season?

Georges Laraque: It was fun, but I try to forget about it because we lost in the Finals and losing there is one of the most, you know ... it's one of the hardest things there is. Twice in the last two years really kills you. Not knowing how many chances you'll have at it, it's tough to get there and lose.

RO: How much of a role did Montreal being your hometown play in your decision to sign with the Canadiens?

GL: It was 50/50 between Edmonton and Montreal. They're both home to me. My mom is in Montreal and I let her make the decision. My family in Montreal hasn't had chance to see me play live much, and I played here for years so that's why.

RO: What else attracted you to the team and how do you feel you fit in on the roster?

GL: At the end of it, that was the factor. Everyone from there can come watch me play. If you don't fit on the roster, teams don't go out there and sign you for a three-year deal. I think it's just like Pittsburgh, they're a good young team in Montreal and they need that physical toughness. I'll be a fourth liner, but it's the same job I had in Pittsburgh.

RO: What was the free agency experience like, in general? Were you anxious to sign with a team or did you want to ride it out to see what kind of offers would come your way?

*Note that Georges broke in at the ‘anxious' part with "no, no, no..."*
GL: No, because it was between Edmonton and Montreal. They both made me an offer and they were the same but Edmonton had a fourth year. It was even better in Edmonton because of the tax, in Montreal it's 55% and in Edmonton it's only 40% but it was my family that decided really. At the end of the day it was between those two places and I knew both wanted me so I wasn't worried.

RO: Have you met up with any of your new teammates yet? What kind of chemistry do you feel the team will have next season considering all of the changes?

GL: I didn't meet any of them. I know some of them, but I didn't ... I haven't been there. I won the Memorial Cup with Francis Bouillon, their defenseman, but I haven't been there for ... like ... I haven't lived there for years. When I lived there I used to skate with them off-season, but I haven't in a while. I saw it coming and I talked to some players and found out how the team was like and said I might be coming. They were pretty happy.

RO: What kind of confidence is there in Montreal, especially with additions like yourself and Alex Tanguay, about the Canadiens' ability to contend for the Cup in such an important season for the franchise (the 100th year)?

GL: They're a young, powerful team and if the chemistry works out we could be really powerful in the East. Obviously we don't want to talk about the West and Detroit with Hossa, but for not we're just talking about doing well again this year. They finished first last year and we want to do that again, and I'll just try to be there and help another young team do well.

RO: Your reputation in the NHL is as an enforcer and sometimes that can unjustly have a negative connotation to it. As one of the most widely respected enforcers in the game, how important do you think it is in today's NHL to have a capable physical presence in the lineup like yourself?

GL: During free agencies, some guys take a while to sign, but all the tough guys got signed right off the bat. They were done right away. You can say whatever you want about the job, but they were the first to be signed – everywhere – so that just tells you the importance that it is to a lot of teams to get, you know, a tough guy to look after their skill players. Like for me, I knew I was going to have a variety of choices for the job that I do and the fact that I can still play. I'm proud that over the last few years, where people have said that, that there might not be a place for a player like us, people have realized that's not the case. Now my job is secure.

RO: The Oilers were one of those teams trying the ‘no enforcers' waters, when they let you go to free agency in 2006.

GL: They just tried it because ... Well, you see they tried it, it was an experiment and they wanted to see what happened. You can't blame them for that. I don't blame them for that. They gave it a try and then they tried to address it and stuff. You can't blame them for trying something new. You try something and then try something else new. That's the way hockey works. If you guess at the right thing, you get everyone copying you. I give them credit for trying to address it now. They have a really good team here that's young, and a new owner who wants to win.

RO: The elusive Daryl Katz - what do you think he'll do for the team?

GL: I'm actually really good friends with him and I see him at my gym every morning. He's a great guy who wants to win and he's committed. Fresh blood coming in and stuff can only help. He's well-liked, he's a great guy, and it's a great move for the team. Instead of talking to 16 people they just need to talk to one guy and that one guy will do whatever it takes to win.

*Note from Rod: For what it's worth, based on past conversations, I know that Georges is a little uncomfortable about the effect his role on the ice has off the ice. Not with the media or the league offices, but with the kids he deals with on a seemingly daily basis. He's said it breaks his heart when he sees a kid who's scared of him because he "beats people up" and always wants to change that kid's mind.

I don't think he stays up all night replying to e-mail from fans anymore, but he's definitely one of the most community-friendly players in the game – always active with some charity or another ... anything involving kids.*

Interview With Mike Green

Rod Orachseski: Last season was a breakout one for you, ranking first in goals scored and seventh in points among defensemen. How does it feel knowing that you've established yourself as a real NHL star at the blue line?

Mike Green: I think, most importantly, it's a good feeling that I don't have to fight for a spot on the blue line. That was the biggest thing, going to camp and having to work. Now that I've kind of established
myself and been given a chance to play it's nice, but now there's expectations on me to make sure I do my part and that's just a different set of concerns now.

RO: What goes into preparing for the added pressures of being the No. 1 guy on the blue line who logs a ton of minutes every game?

MG: You just need to be ready to play. There aren't any nights off for the guy who everyone is expecting to do something on every night. You see a guy like Alex [Ovechkin] play the way he does, and you know what they expect of you.

RO: What did the coaching change last season from Glen Hanlon to Bruce Boudreau, who possess some different coaching philosophies, mean to your game?

MG: Absolutely, Bruce doesn't really put any limitations on guys and, as a player, it makes it a lot easier to play the game that way. That's been the biggest difference to me, so far, between Bruce and Glen. Not only that, but Bruce gave me the opportunity to play and in the past I didn't get that, so I owe Bruce a lot. He's been great not only for myself, but for a lot of young guys.

RO: Now that the Capitals surpassed some external expectations by reaching the playoffs last year, what is the feeling around the team going into next year? How close do you believe you guys are to contending for the Stanley Cup?

MG: Well, just getting off to a good start. Last year we had to fight so hard to even make that playoffs it was like we were dead when we got there. If we can get off to a good start and be in the running halfway through the season, not make it so hard on ourselves, I think we'll be a lot better for going on a run.

RO: A lot optimism in Washington revolves around last year's 65-goal scorer, Alexander Ovechkin. What is it like playing with him? Exactly how much does he impact the culture of the team both on and off the ice?

MG: It's ... I mean you know, everyone knows. He's the best, or one of the best players in the league. Yeah, anything can happen when he's on the ice. He's one of those players that can win you games and it's just a good thing he's on our team.

RO: On July 1, you hit the jackpot with a new four-year deal for over $5 million a season. What kind of new toys have you already bought or do you plan on buying with your new found fortune?

MG: *laughs* Well, I have a quad and a Sea-doo that made the summer a lot funner. That's about it, though – not much special.

RO: How hard is it to keep grounded when you've just signed a deal for millions?

MG: Friends and family, you know. If you're around the right people they'll keep you grounded. I was one of those little guys looking up to IHL players and I want to keep that in mind. You can't forget where you came from. That's why I try to take part in camps for the little guys, something to give back.

RO: Washington is a long way from Calgary, what's the biggest difference for you?

MG: Just growing up out here and playing hockey, then moving out there the real difference is the passion for playing hockey. You see it everywhere here, and I really felt that growing up playing hockey.

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To Stay Or Go: Veterans Weighing The Option To Retire Against Another Run In The NHL

Mats Sundin

All athletes are eventually faced with deciding whether they are capable both mentally and physically to return for another run in the sport they love, or simply hang ‘em up and call it a career. With the Brett Favre and Roger Clemens' of the world, retirement isn't as final as it used to be. However, any player that has to come to grips with the closing of his career wants to face the unenviable predicament as few times as possible.

Three of the greatest talents to ever apply their craft on NHL ice currently remain in limbo about their future in the sport, while another is certain he will return but is in no rush to ink a new deal. Mats Sundin, Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg have made it quite clear that they're taking their time in this truly life-altering decision. Meanwhile, Brendan Shanahan has made it known that he wants to play another year and preferably with the New York Rangers, yet will be patient and is willing to sign elsewhere if continuing his career on Broadway is not in the cards.

The most prolific of this bunch is Sundin. As the NHL turned toward the free agent frenzy of the summer on July 1, one of the most sought after players was Sundin. In addition to the Toronto Maple Leafs, several teams came out the chute offering big money deals to the 37-year center, including a reported $20 million offer over two years from the Vancouver Canucks. At the end of the day, though, Sundin stood pat in his stance to take his time and didn't jump at the first top-notch contract to come his way. Insane or not, it's August 26 and the Swedish forward remains a free agent. And despite claiming that he would make a decision by August, I don't think there's going to be one for at least another week or two. He could reasonably take this to the start of training camp.

I don't think there's any doubt that Sundin still has the talent to be a prolific center in the NHL. Just last season with the Maple Leafs, he posted 78 points and 32 goals, which marked the 15th time in his 17 NHL seasons that he put up over 70 points (the other two were his rookie season and the lockout year in 1994-95.) He still possesses great scoring and playmaking ability even in his elder years and is one of the most respected leaders in hockey. Though I question his character somewhat for refusing to be moved at the trade deadline last year yet appearing to be on his way out of Toronto this summer, I have to admit Sundin is an asset for whatever team scores him if he chooses to return.

I believe Sundin will return to the NHL for next season. He has too much left in the tank, and too much money sitting on the table, to opt for retirement right now. And while it's hard to judge exactly where his head is at, the one thing that should take No. 1 priority for Sundin when choosing a team is how likely it is to contend for the Cup next season.

The only publicized offer for Sundin came in the form of that $20 million deal over two years with the Canucks. A tempting offer, I'm sure, I don't think $10 million a year is going to be enough to entice Sundin into playing for a squad that has little chance of making anything out of the 2008-09 campaign, and presumably the year after, as well.

I highly doubt, however, Sundin is going to jump at a deal worth anything significantly less than that deal from Vancouver. I'm sure that when he does choose a team, it's going to cost at least $7.5-8 million per season on a one- or two-year contract, which takes salary cap considerations into account for all reportedly interested teams.

At the forefront is the New York Rangers, who could use another top six forward but only possess about $2 million in cap space at the moment. To move at least $6 million is going to be damn near impossible for the Rangers. Philadelphia has also come up as a team with some interest, but they're about $4.5 million over the cap limit and need to get rid of some players before even being legal for the 2008-09 season. Toronto remains in the loop and has about $7.5 million in cap space to spare, but Sundin doesn't want to head back to the Maple Leafs, otherwise he would have done so early in free agency. The team that traded for his rights prior to July 1, Montreal, is also apparently out of the mix for his services.

The Colorado Avalanche have recently come out as a team of interest. Of course, he is merely a backup plan for the Avs pending Joe Sakic's decision, which should come during a Thursday morning news conference.

Unlike Sundin's situation, Sakic is a one-team man. If he laces the skates for another campaign, it will be for Colorado – the franchise, Quebec included, where he has played his entire 19-year NHL career. Like Sundin, though, Sakic certainly has enough talent remaining in his aged body (39 years old) to give the Avs another run as a top line center.

Unfortunately, last season was not one of Sakic's healthiest. After missing just one game between the 2003-04 and 2006-07 campaigns, he sat out 38 contests last year courtesy of hernia surgery. In his 44 games played, though, he posted 40 points and is just two years removed from a 100-point season in 2006-07. I don't think it's a guarantee that Sakic will be an everyday player in his 20th season. But when he hits the ice, he can lead the Avs toward contention for the Stanley Cup.

And I think that Sakic's announcement Thursday morning will be one that pleases the faithful fans in Colorado. Injury aside, Sakic was still a valuable asset late in the season and in the playoffs and didn't appear to suffer any major setbacks in his typical game-changing ways. Thus, the only thing that I feel would tilt Sakic's decision toward retirement – health – shouldn't play a factor and I anticipate he'll be donning a Colorado sweater come the drop of the puck in October.

While bringing Sakic back is a no-brainer for the Avalanche, who have plenty of cap space ($10.6 million) to accommodate him, the same cannot be said for Forsberg.

Peter Forsberg

For the past few years, Forsberg has been a pain in the butt to track. While certainly among the elite of the elite as far as talent goes, Forsberg is an injury-riddled mess that cannot be counted upon as a healthy asset at any point in the season. What's worse with Forsberg is that one day he might feel fine, yet the next day is a complete disaster and he's out for an unknown amount of time. Simply put, it's a risky venture entering the world of Forsberg.

The most recent happenings to Forsberg are also pretty inconsistent. A month ago, it was determined that Forsberg would need to rehab his right foot and wouldn't even think about re-entering the NHL until Christmas. Yet early this month, he played a charity game with his team in Sweden and scored a hat trick.

And that's really the problem with Forsberg – he's unpredictable. It's really unfortunate because he is such a talented center. Even in his very limited play last year with the Avs, Forsberg posted 14 points in nine regular season games and added five points in seven games during the postseason. At least as a playoff asset, he's one of the finest the NHL has ever seen. But that nagging foot injury, on top of groin problems, is extremely risky for both Forsberg and any team looking to pick him up.

With that said, Forsberg has proven himself time and time again to be stubborn. The man probably should have retired a year or two ago, yet he keeps coming back for more punishment. Call him a warrior or just plain stupid, but he seems determined to play even if it's extremely limited. And I think that trend will continue for the 35-year old Swede next year.

Forsberg will likely play a Scott Niedermayer and sit out for a good portion of the season before deciding to re-join the league. A spot on the Avs is far from guaranteed, I'm sure. But if he's willing to come back cheap like he did last year for the Avs at just over $1 million, then I can't imagine they would turn him away. There will probably be more interest, including from the Flyers and probably Toronto, but I think Colorado will be the most likely destination if, or really when, Forsberg chooses to come back after the New Year.

Shanahan's commendable patience certainly won't last that long. Injuries won't bar him from returning right away and he's focused on giving it another run in the NHL. The 39-year old winger has his sights set on one more season with the New York Rangers. However, if general manager Glen Sather can't figure out a way to get him on the roster, which would be further hindered if he pursues Sundin, then Shanahan will seek employment by another team.

One of those other teams that has an interest in Shanahan is the John Davidson-run St. Louis Blues. No formal contract has been offered by Davidson to Shanahan, who played with St. Louis from 1991-1995. But he put the option out there to Shanahan's agent Rick Curran. And if the Rangers continue to stall and don't bring Shanahan back, I don't see any reason why he wouldn't strongly consider another run with the Blues.

I do, however, believe Shanahan will be back on Broadway. He feels like he has unfinished business in the Big Apple and the Rangers could use his leadership and top six forward ability. Shanahan will need to take a pay cut and Sather will still need to do some maneuvering to make the necessary cap room. But at the end of it all, I anticipate the two sides figuring something out to reach their mutual goal – partnering up for one more season.

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Until next week, you have just been Inside The Penalty Box!

~ Neil Borenstein