The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Never before, at least not in recent memory, have so many NHL greats been on the cusp of retirement in one season. In some cases, they will hang up their skates simply because the time is right; in others, the decision will be prompted by the fact that the 2004-05 season likely won't happen due to the collective bargaining agreement mess. The list of likely retirees is astounding in both its talent and its volume. Several are shoo-ins for the Hall of Fame, and some who aren't will at least get serious consideration. Here are some of the big names that may disappear from NHL rosters following this season. Mario Lemieux, 38 The injury-prone Super Mario's return to the game in 2000 hasn't panned out the way he hoped it would. His physical health continues to be a concern, and he must be tired of trying to carry the league's only AHL club, the Penguins, on his ailing back. The ten games he played this season were probably his last. Mark Messier, 43 The legendary Rangers' captain helped cap off an amazing career this season when he surpassed Gordie Howe for second place on the all-time scoring list. Moose, as he's called, hasn't officially said he won't be back, but at 43, he's widely expected to do so this summer or sooner. Steve Yzerman, 38 Father Time and injuries have caught up to the respected centreman, who may decide it's finally time to pass his captainancy down to Niklas Lidstrom and call it a career. Dominik Hasek, 39 It was believed by some that when Hasek announced his "unretirement" last summer, it was good for only one season. Injury has limited the energetic netminder to just 14 games this season, and he's out for the year. Ron Francis, 41 The man who has quietly claimed fifth place on the all-time scoring list has also been quiet about his future plans. The money is on him not coming back after what may be an extended playoff run with the Leafs. Adam Oates, 41 Oates was ready to call it a career this season after his phone refused to ring. Then the Oilers called, bringing the playmaker back for what looks to be one final bow. Al MacInnis, 40 Sidelined indefinitely with an eye injury, the man known for his booming slap shot has said he wants to retire as a St. Louis Blue. Rumour has it he will probably do it this year. Chris Chelios, 42 Chelios still loves the game and remains a top-four D-man. The only evidence to suggest he won't be back is his age. He can't keep this up forever. Brett Hull, 39 Hull has said he would play in the new World Hockey Association if there's a lockout, so he's not tired of the game. But he has also indicated that the clutch-and-grab NHL has eaten away at his enjoyment of the sport. Would the aging winger really return after a prolonged lockout? Dave Andreychuk, 40 His numbers still respectable and his leadership still invaluable, Andreychuk is thought to be the type of guy who would leave before his skills completely desert him. Now is the time.
