Lindros to retire?
It's funny but I spent part of today discussing the future of the big E with our friend Teri today, and while I had some ideas of my own, TSN.ca broke a little story about his current whereabouts and future.
Currently Eric Lindros, one of many still to be signed unrestricted free agents has been helping the NHL Players' Association as a member of a review board tasked with finding a new executive director for their union. While he was vague about his playing future, he did hint that he had an idea following his last playoff game with the Dallas Stars.
Injuries has taken their toll on the big forward, preventing him from playing complete seasons for most of his career, but last season he was only able to play in 49 for the Stars (he collected 26 points (5 goals, 21 assists) during that span). His injury history has also drastically affected his style of play, as he no longer powers down the ice (with his head down), in favor of skating the perimeter and for the most part avoiding contact.... the aspect of his game that once made him unstoppable.
While it's unlikely he'll sign a monster contract over the summer if he does choose to play, and more than likely any deal he does recieve won't even approach the one he got from the Stars last season (which I believe was $1 million) at least not in base. I think a team will take a chance on him, if Lindros is willing to accept a contract that heavily consists of incentives, and performance bonuses.
The team that keeps coming to mind are the Columbus Blue Jackets. They could use a marquee name (even though Lindros' star power is somewhat dimmer) and lining him up with Rick Nash could be interesting and even tempting to the big guy. The other that I was thinking of, due to recent events is the New York Rangers. Having dealt Matt Cullen back to the Carolina Hurricanes in what was for the most part a salary dump (due to some rather generous salaries dished out to Drury and Gomez), the Rangers now find themselves with a glaring hole at third line center. Lindros could be an affordable pickup, and play on a stage that he did perform well on. As I said longshot.
In reality, retirement may be on the horizon. I read an interesting quote in the Hockey News last season which really struck a chord. I'm paraphrasing here, but it said "Every game Eric Lindros plays, moves him further away from the Hall of Fame." Pretty blunt. Lindros's stats during his NHL career are very impressive. During his 760 games played, he has accumulated 865 points (372 goals, 493 assists, with a +215 rating, and 1,398 minutes in penalties).
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Sigh....can't picture the Rangers taking on Lindros again. He didn't leave under the best of circumstances. Columbus could use him for sure. I'm thinking $800K-$900K plus incentives for points scored, games played, etc.
The few games with Dallas where he DID get physical he made a difference. And I have no problem with his being more of a play-maker than goal scorer. I would suggest a Holmquist-like role (due to his size and strength) but I sincerely doubt Eric could (or would) take the punishment.
I completely agree with the assessment that he hurts his chances of ever making the HOF every time he steps on the ice. A role in the NHLPA on a more permanent basis would be a good choice. He is intelligent and articulate and would be more pro-active in protecting player's rights, etc than past admin types.
teri
Posted by: Teri Springer | July 19, 2007 10:30 AM
Teri, I was thinking even less than that. Maybe aroun $500k base with performance incentives. The games played bonus doesn't work with Lindros, the Rangers tried it, and he became a perimeter player in order to meet the standards.
Posted by: Cap | July 19, 2007 11:02 AM
Would Lindros really deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame even if he stopped playing immediately? Or for that matter, stopped playing four years ago? I'm not sold on that idea at all - and I liked the guy.
It sort of sounds like he'll retire based on the article. If he doesn't, I think Columbus would be wise to stay far away. They were obliterated by injuries last season. They don't need to take on any more.
Posted by: Stache | July 20, 2007 07:25 AM
his numbers are impressive. anytime your production is over a point per game that means you got the talent. but, HOF caliber? tough call. he did win the heart once, no? i know he made it to the finals once. still, if you are to get in, don't you need to break some milestone, at least four hundred goals. a thousand points. it might be just out of reach for the big E.
as for playing this season. i don't think it'll happen. especially for his current value, which i believe is under one million. whether he thinks so...i doubt it. least we forget this is the guy who refused to play for the team that originally drafted him, who would only allow a trade to a team from a short list of his choice, etc., etc. even if columbus offered him the same contract that dallas did, i think he'd refuse it. he's not going to play for a team that isn't close to being a stanley cup contender. he knows he's on limited time. my guess is he'll take a year off, then next year phoenix will lure him out of retirement a la owen nolan.
Posted by: mutton chops | July 21, 2007 07:31 AM