Veteran NHLers

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

With Owen Nolan and Mike Comrie recently announcing their retirements, which current NHLers do you think are done after this season? Off the top of my head, here are a few players who have been around the block:

*Nicklas Lidstrom- Turns 42 in April. Obviously, this has been discussed here for a while now. I'd love to see him stick around for another year, and I think the Winter Classic couldn't have come to Detroit at a better time. Could lure him back here for one final run at the Cup.

*Tomas Holmstrom- 39 years old. This guy has been a warrior for this team for so long. He hasn't said much about his future. He is definitely slowing down, and ineffective at even strength, but still a powerplay specialist. Seems like a toss up for me right now, as to whether he will return or not.

*Todd Bertuzzi- 37 years old. Had a terrible start to the year, but has played very well lately. I'd like for us to get younger, but if he can prove that he can play at a high level for the rest of the year, maybe we can keep him for another year.

*Roman Hamrlik- Turns 38 in April. Rumored to be on the trade block. He seems to have lost his offensive touch.

*Mike Knuble- Turns 40 in July. Another Cap rumored to be on the trade block. His offensive output has dropped significantly. 11 points in 53 games. Hopefully he can discover his game again, I kind of have a soft spot for him, knowing he is a former Wing.

*Andrew Brunette- Turns 39 in August. He's played mostly bottom 6 minutes in Chicago, I believe.

*Sean O'Donnell- 40 years old. Personally, I wouldn't mind picking him as a #7 defenseman capable of stepping into the lineup when needed. Doesn't take many penalties, other than a fight here and there. Plays a very hard-nosed game, even at his age.

*Brendan Morrison- Turns 37 in August. Recently acquired by Chicago. Wasn't getting much time in Calgary.

*Brian Rolston- Turns 39 next week. 9 points in 44 games. He's definitely lost his firepower with the puck.

*Steve Staios- Turns 39 in July. He's played relatively decently for the Isles. Hopefully he sticks around.

*Jamie Langenbrunner- Turns 37 in July.

*Daymond Langkow- 35 years old. After he missed most of last year due to injures, he has come back, and hasn't looked all that bad.

*Adrian Aucoin- Turns 39 in July. Used to have a decent offensive touch to his game, but has molded himself into more of a stay-at-home type. I think this may be his last season.

*Ray Whitney- Turns 40 in May. Put him on the list simply because of his age, but he is having a great year. I think he's got at least one more season left in the tank, maybe more.

*Sami Salo- 37 years old. Was having a healthy year until he was low-bridged by Brad Marchand. I wonder how much more his body can take at this point. When he is healthy, he is very skilled with the puck.

*John Madden- Turns 39 in May. He's played in 15 games centering Florida's 4th line, after he signed on half way through the year. Hope to see this ironman stick around for at least one more year.

*Steve Sullivan- Turns 38 in July. I believe he is a UFA this summer.

*Petr Sykora- 35 years old. 28 points in 56 games after making the Devils on a tryout in September. Seems he and Patrik Elias have re-discovered their chemistry.

What are your opinions on the future of these guys? Anyone else that comes to mind?

Edited February 17, 2012 by Bring Back The Bruise Bros

[Kindl Surprise 47]

McCabe said he was done for good today, too

[Hatchet Barry 71]

Holland will bring back Bertuzzi for sure.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

I'm thinking Bert will be back for one more. Just added a few more names to the list.

[MabusIncarnate 5,359]

I think Sykora was happy in NJ at the prime of his career and is happy once again skating and producing with Elias. I can see him going another solid 3 or 4 seasons if the Devils will continue to have him.

Mike Knuble is seeking a trade if he can't get top 6 minutes in Washington. If he doesn't get dealt and continues in a minimum role for the Caps I can see him hanging up the skates sometime soon.

I think Langenbrunner is done when his contract is up, he's taken a very steady decline and wouldn't be offering up much help past this season.

When it comes to guys like Ray Whitney and Teemu Selanne (not on the list but worth mentioning) I say play til you're done. I don't care if they play til 50, if you can still contribute and produce, then keep it going as long as your respective team will allow. I don't see any reason for either of these guys to retire with the way they are playing this season.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029]

I think Sykora was happy in NJ at the prime of his career and is happy once again skating and producing with Elias. I can see him going another solid 3 or 4 seasons if the Devils will continue to have him.

Mike Knuble is seeking a trade if he can't get top 6 minutes in Washington. If he doesn't get dealt and continues in a minimum role for the Caps I can see him hanging up the skates sometime soon.

I think Langenbrunner is done when his contract is up, he's taken a very steady decline and wouldn't be offering up much help past this season.

When it comes to guys like Ray Whitney and Teemu Selanne (not on the list but worth mentioning) I say play til you're done. I don't care if they play til 50, if you can still contribute and produce, then keep it going as long as your respective team will allow. I don't see any reason for either of these guys to retire with the way they are playing this season.

Elias has really looked rejuvenated this year. I didn't mention Selanne because he is still playing at such a high level, I can't see him hanging em up after this year. He is worth mentioning though, simply because of his age.

[wingslogo19 281]

I have a feeling that Lids and Bert will be back next year

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

I think the Kings made a big mistake letting O'Donnell get away. He was a steadying presence for Doughty and could've continued to help his development.

For those same reasons I wouldn't have minded him here in Detroit. The Wings have tons of veteran leadership, especially on D. But he could've been actually out on the ice with Ericsson and Kindl.

As for next year, I've always liked his game but he can't handle a lot of minutes or a full season anymore. I guess as a cheap pickup as the 7th guy would be fine.

Off that list Knuble and Madden seem likely to be hanging them up at the end of the season.

On the Wings I think Bert will be back. Homer will want to come back but his role is definitely diminishing. Still I could see Holland giving him a one year deal As for Lidstrom, I think it all comes down to what happens this trade deadline and playoffs. If they acquire some huge talent at the deadline that will be on the roster next season, it might give Nick more reason to stick around. Honestly though I feel like it's 80% chance he's done at the end of this season.