Chris Chelios: three-time Norris Trophy Winner, 1,547 games played, first among American born players.
Oldest active NHL player at 45, second only to Patrick Roy in playoff appearances. Two Stanley Cup rings. Beloved in Chicago as well as Detroit. Restaurateur of successful establishments in both Detroit and Chicago.
With such and impressive resume and so much to play for, why is Chris Chelios on the bench?
Is he injured? Or has his so-so play in the playoffs convinced Mike Babcock to go with the younger guys? After all, Chelios IS 45, and while I am certain he is in excellent shape for any age, there is a lot of difference between the speed of a 45-year-old and someone half his age at 22 or 23. Chelios, once a hard-skating tenacious forechecker, has been reduced to more of a stay at home defenseman. And that is because he simply cannot handle big minutes playing with the quick Detroit transition game.
Maybe it is time for Chelios to certainly ponder retirement. No player ever really wants to stop playing. But considering he is the oldest player in the NHL and the age starting to effect ability, maybe it is time.
Steve Yzerman was an example of a player who maybe stayed too long. Excellent leader, excellent player and all-around good guy, the man who stuck with the Wings through the good and bad times played a year or two longer than he should have.
His knee injuries were keeping him out of the lineup for long stretches of time, and even when he could play, his wonky knees robbed him of much of his skating skill. But yet, as the Captain, he played through it. But everyone knew it was time for Stevie—and now it is time for Chris.
I believe if the Wings win the Stanley Cup, as much as he may not want to, Chris Chelios will, or at least should, retire. The old Red Wings, the one of the Russian-five and the record-setting Scotty Bowman years, are over. While the Red Wings are as strong a team as ever, the icons that Chelios played with—Yzerman, Federov, Shannahan, Kozlov—are either retired or with different teams.
Chelios, a certain hall-of-famer and one of the icons of the game, should leave on top, and not be forced from the game at a low point.
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4 months ago
good point, it would be the perfect time to retire for him.
great read,
4 months ago
I'd say that Yzerman really only stuck around one year too long—if that. With Yzerman (moreso than with Chelios) he brought a lot of other teachings and talents to the game that a lot of these younger players (Datsyuk and Zetterberg) could learn from. I think Yzerman was more "I'm going to give it a year and see if I can keep this going" rather than someone else who just kind of thinks they can (like Jeremy Roenick a few years ago...I'd even say today to an extent).
As far as Chelios goes, I think he's played on one of the better defensive units in the past few years—especially this year. Brian Rafalski is under-rated and often over shadowed, and for as many Norris trophies that Nick Lidstrom has won, he always seems to be the "surprise pick". I never really liked him, but I can certainly respect the integrity and the skill it takes to play the game this late into your life (from a professional sports standpoint).
Nice work Aaron...
BT
4 months ago
Gee, maybe it would be nice if you got your facts straight before you shoot your mouth off, or in this case, your pen. First off, Chelios is 46 years old, his bday is Jan 25 1962. Secondly, he already holds the record for most playoff games, he has passed Roy. Thirdly, the restaurant in Chicago is no longer in business. Last but certainly not least, no, he should not retire and yes he should be playing now. He has so much knowledge of this game is input is invaluable to the younger players. He presense alone on the ice, not to mention strength and penatly killing sets him above any younger player.
And your right, no one asked you...
Nancy Jo
4 months ago
I was using information provided to by the NHL, so I guess I shouldn't trust the league's information since all seems to be wrong. Point taken, thanks for correcting me!
4 months ago
Wow Nancy Jo got a little snippy there eh, her of no articles and the lone comment as her track record on this site. Nonetheless Aaron, I agree with you. Chelios has had a fantastic career but I think it has become increasingly clear that it is time for him to pack it in. Certainly though, Mr. Chelios has nothing to be ashamed of. Nancy Jo though on the other hand...probably should proofread her work if she's going to chip like that.
Solid article Aaron!
4 months ago
Good thing Nancy Jo isn't running the Wings. She'd have the poor guy playing till he was fifty.
So, Aaron, I guess you should edit your article slightly change that little 5 to a 6 (What's the diff? Either way, he's old) and change "Restaurateur of NOW DEFUNCT establishments in both Detroit and Chicago."
And Nancy - Try decaf
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