Steve Palumbo: NHL Players, Like Teemu Selanne, Playing into Their 40's is the Norm

Steve Palumbo: NHL Players, Like Teemu Selanne, Playing into Their 40's is the Norm
- Steve Palumbo

I really hoped Chelios would reach 50

Or that Hasek would come back last season

Stating the obvious.. The game is MUCH faster than it was when Gordie last laced 'em up and every season it becomes more difficult for an aging player to keep up. Did Gordie have Jagr-like conditioning? I feel like the last 5 years of Chelios' career everyone was certain each year was his last, (his stats agree.)
I do like the idea of something like the NHL-S league for retired players over 35 to play light contact 30-40 game seasons

Overall good read. I hope more players continue to play into their 40's.

However, I must state for factual accuracy that Scott Stevens DID NOT play until he was 43... He retired after the 2003-2004 season due to post-concussion symptoms from a slap-shot to the head by Pavel Kubina in the 2003 playoffs. If I'm correct, he was 41 when he formally announces his retirement.

Steve Palumbo: NHL Players, Like Teemu Selanne, Playing into Their 40's is the Norm
- Steve Palumbo

great blog. I think these players are able to do this because of how well they treat their body. They are different from your average 40 year-old, no question about it.

Overall good read. I hope more players continue to play into their 40's.

However, I must state for factual accuracy that Scott Stevens DID NOT play until he was 43... He retired after the 2003-2004 season due to post-concussion symptoms from a slap-shot to the head by Pavel Kubina in the 2003 playoffs. If I'm correct, he was 41 when he formally announces his retirement.
- Flyers_V88

I really wanted Stevens to play that one more year haha who knows though if he did we might not be watching Sidney Crosby today

Stating the obvious.. The game is MUCH faster than it was when Gordie last laced 'em up and every season it becomes more difficult for an aging player to keep up. Did Gordie have Jagr-like conditioning? I feel like the last 5 years of Chelios' career everyone was certain each year was his last, (his stats agree.)
I do like the idea of something like the NHL-S league for retired players over 35 to play light contact 30-40 game seasons
- Trainfellow

That would be pathetic

great blog. I think these players are able to do this because of how well they treat their body. They are different from your average 40 year-old, no question about it.
- shvingter88

The crazy shiiiaaat that Roberts does and eats wouldnt surprise me if he could still play we should be sending Henrique to the Roberts camp in the off seasons

I really wanted Stevens to play that one more year haha who knows though if he did we might not be watching Sidney Crosby today
- blizzzard

Some of these players would be petrified of him

The crazy shiiiaaat that Roberts does and eats wouldnt surprise me if he could still play we should be sending Henrique to the Roberts camp in the off seasons
- blizzzard

Giroux will not last due to his diet of grilled cheese and ketchup

That would be pathetic
- shvingter88

lol, it would be odd... I think the cut-off would have to be like 40 minimum if there was ever to be such a league...

Some of these players would be petrified of him
- shvingter88

I have noticed that no one is afraid to cut across the trolly tracks anymore ever since Stevens retired that lane has been back up for business

I really wanted Stevens to play that one more year haha who knows though if he did we might not be watching Sidney Crosby today
- blizzzard

I would have loved to see it lol. I still get a kick out of Derian Hatcher roughing up Sid in his first game in Philadelphia.

Giroux will not last due to his diet of grilled cheese and ketchup
- shvingter88

They make organic Ketchup he will be fine

I would have loved to see it lol. I still get a kick out of Derian Hatcher roughing up Sid in his first game in Philadelphia.
- Flyers_V88

What is your biggest concern for the Flyers going into this season ?

I would have loved to see it lol. I still get a kick out of Derian Hatcher roughing up Sid in his first game in Philadelphia.
- Flyers_V88

Anyone that (frank)s with Crosby is ok in my book

Anyone that (frank)s with Crosby is ok in my book
- shvingter88

That would be pathetic
- shvingter88

Would it not be entertaining to see guys like Lidstrom, Hasek, Jagr, Broduer, Lindros, Hull, Selanne, Roenick compete against each other? Realistically, the idea of a league would be the pathetic part, but a game or two for whatever charity I'd think would draw a crowd.

Would it not be entertaining to see guys like Lidstrom, Hasek, Jagr, Broduer, Lindros, Hull, Selanne, Roenick compete against each other? Realistically, the idea of a league would be the pathetic part, but a game or two for whatever charity I'd think would draw a crowd.
- Trainfellow

Dont they do something like that at the winter classic and hasnt Hull put on a ton of weight ?

What is your biggest concern for the Flyers going into this season ?
- blizzzard

Honestly, I'd say overall team healthy and the ability to stay healthy and avoiding goaltending drama, lol. I think if we can manage to keep relatively healthy, especially on the back-end, and the goaltending isn't a constant theme or soap-opera, I think the Flyers will be ok. Not gonna lie too, I'm gonna be watching a lot of Devils' games to see Jagr play lol.

Anyone that (frank)s with Crosby is ok in my book
- shvingter88

Amen lol.

Dont they do something like that at the winter classic and hasnt Hull put on a ton of weight ?
- blizzzard

It was just an idea that will likely never ever happen.. Winter Classic has the Alumini game which has a handful of players usually past their 50s.. And im not sure, Hull hasnt called lately

Would it not be entertaining to see guys like Lidstrom, Hasek, Jagr, Broduer, Lindros, Hull, Selanne, Roenick compete against each other? Realistically, the idea of a league would be the pathetic part, but a game or two for whatever charity I'd think would draw a crowd.
- Trainfellow

Hell I'd watch it but i think the injuries would still happen, not enough depth. Maybe they could call someone up from the NHL.

Honestly, I'd say overall team healthy and the ability to stay healthy and avoiding goaltending drama, lol. I think if we can manage to keep relatively healthy, especially on the back-end, and the goaltending isn't a constant theme or soap-opera, I think the Flyers will be ok. Not gonna lie too, I'm gonna be watching a lot of Devils' games to see Jagr play lol.
- Flyers_V88

Nice. This has to be a prove it year for the Flyers they had a really good season when Jagr went there and did wonders for the players then dropped the ball the next season albeit with a lot of injuries but lots of teams suffered big time injuries last year. If they dont make it this year do they blow the D up maybe move Cooter or B Schenn for a stud D ?

It was just an idea that will likely never ever happen.. Winter Classic has the Alumini game which has a handful of players usually past their 50s.. And im not sure, Hull hasnt called lately
- Trainfellow

that was what i was thinking about the alumni game. I also think that these guys after playing 20 years need a break from the game and want time with there families