Holland won't offer Chris Chelios new contract

[Johnny Diamonds 25]

Thank You Captain America. I hated your guts before you became a Red Wing. Once you became a Red Wing you grew on me and I admired and respected the hell out of your workman like effort every game. Thank You for not only helping the Wings win two Cups but also everything you've done for the city of Detroit by investing in the city opening businesses and creating jobs for people around here. You were a great player and are a good American. Good luck with whatever you do from here on out and good luck to your son as he pursues an NHL career!

[eva unit zero 271]

Chelios has been my favorite for years, his was the first jersey I got and I've rooted for him since, well, we got him. It's sad to see him go, I felt he could still play, but I guess it's necessary. I worry about our depth, though, now. Meech? We have no one at depth on D who we can count on in a crunch. Who cares if Meech can play both position if he sucks at both?

I would rather have Meech than Lebda on defense personally. Who cares if Lebda has more experience playing D if he sucks?

Meech>Lebda.

[thegerkin 189]

Definitely had to happen, which is still sad. Chelios has been great for the Wings, and if he wants to play another year or two elsewhere, all the best luck to you, Cheli!!

[Datsyukian Geek 2]

Thank you for everything Cheli, it's been a great 10 years through the ups and downs, and I will miss having him around...

[VM1138 1,921]

I would rather have Meech than Lebda on defense personally. Who cares if Lebda has more experience playing D if he sucks?

Meech>Lebda.

First, I never argued Lebda was better. I want both of them gone. Lebda did turn his game around but let's get somethign for him while we can. But Meech has really disappointed since his first appearance with the Wings.

[T.OWingsFan 7]

Can anyone show some appreciation? This guy has been a Wing for 10 years and has become a main face in the Wings organization. Everyone here just seems to be happy that he's gone. Though its for the best, it was an absolute pleasure having him on the team this past decade and its dad to see him go.

+1

Cheli was awesome to have. His last best legs were in 2007, especially when Kronner and Schneider went down, but the guy won 2 cups here, and was a great addition to the dressing room for 10 years.

Here's to Cheli my Greek brother!

[FunkedUp 29]

Cheli will sign with the Hawks for the league minimum for 1 year. Bank it...

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Thanks for everything Cheli, I'll miss ya buddy. His playoff runs in 02 and 07 were great to watch.

[Jedi 1,865]

Thanks for a memorable 10 years, and 2 Stanley Cups Chris.

Always the consummate professional. Never once complained (at least publicly) about his role with the team as the years went by. Here's to you Cheli. Hope he does well wherever he goes.

And if his playing career is over, I'd love to see him stay with the organization in some capacity.

[seeinred 1,488]

Although I do agree it's time, you have to appreciate the fact that a bona fide legend spent so many good years with this team. There aren't a whole lot of teams that can say they've had 2 of the greatest defensemen of all time playing at the same time for them.

[McCartyFanForLife 17]

Thanks for everything Chelios. It'll be a shame not seeing you in the Winged Wheel; both parties win with this decision.

[RockyMountainWingGal 108]

Can anyone show some appreciation? This guy has been a Wing for 10 years and has become a main face in the Wings organization. Everyone here just seems to be happy that he's gone. Though its for the best, it was an absolute pleasure having him on the team this past decade and its dad to see him go.

Maybe need a Cheli appreciation thread. I guess i thought he was done as a Wing like 5 years ago, then he kept signing these one year deals so I just got used to it.

Twas great having #24 on our roster for 10 years.

A few top moments:

-Won his second Cup with the Wings in 2002

-Runner up for Norris trophy in 2002, man the Lidstrom guy tends to boost everyone's play.

-Skating around in Vancouver after a 4 assist night and the #1 star sticking it to the fans.

Never been to Cheli's bar since I live out of state but plan to make it there one of these days....

Hope he retires as a Red Wing and doesn't do another season anywhere else....

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

So long, Cheli. Thanks for the memories.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Thanks for everything Chelios! You da man!

[Vilmer 0]

Nobody should ever be allowed to wear #24 again.

[Gordie Howe hat trick 110]

Yeah, I bet we don't retire it but it should go on the shelf for us along with 6 and 16.

[Vladiator 116]

Thanks Cheli!!!!! Hope you stay with the Wings in some capacity. You will be missed.

[Barrie 900]

It's the right move.

Thanks to Cheli for helping us win 2 Cups

[jeff48109 474]

Thank you Cheli, the greatest American defenseman and top 10 all time.

[Chelios57 31]

The best part is that the last memory I have of him playing as a Wing is him coming oh-so-close to scoring the OT winner against Chicago in the WCF!

Thanks for all the memories, we love you!

[C-TownWing 0]

Sad day for me, but I knew it was coming obviously. Actually, it was a pleasant surprise (to me, I know it wasn't a popular move with most of you) that he was around this year.

I think he still has it in him to play 3rd pair on a team with less back there than what we have, but all the best to him whatever he decides to do, and hopefully he finds his way back to the organization whenever he's done playing. He's always been a favorite of mine, and he's been a great contributor to our team for the last 10 years--even when he wasn't playing these last couple years, guys would always mention him as one of the main leaders in the room.

It's a little weird how all the superstars from when I first got into hockey in the early 90s are all gone or close to it. Cheli, Roenick, Modano, a handful of others...I feel old now.

[SuperNovaXll 124]

Cheli, you were amazing and will really be missed! I hope you continue to play in the NHL for as long as you like. Then when its time to call it quits, please come back to DET to help out. Im SURE we have many things that Cheli could do to help the Wings keep getting better.

On another note, has anyone ever been to his bar?

[HanKarin40 7]

As much as I love Cheli, the time has come to bid him a fair adieu. It would be nice if he could stay with the organization in some form or another. The guys really seem to respect and look up to him as a mentor.

Good luck to him in whatever he decides to do in the future! Thanks for all you've done for this team! You truly are Captain America!

Geez, how will we make it through a game on Versus without hearing about his age every five minutes? LOL

[58Miles2Joe 12]

I'll miss Cheli...

Remeber this? Stepping on the guys stick

[58Miles2Joe 12]