There was a point in time where Peter Forsberg was the most desired man in the NHL.
There was a point in time where anything Forsberg touched could turn to gold—the man was simply magic on the ice.
There was a point in time that the seven-time All Star was being called one of the best players to ever grace the offensive and defensive sides of the ice.
Now he's starting to remind me of Eric Lindros—kind of ironic that the two were once traded for each other.
For those of you who don't remember Lindros, he was the kid with all the potential in the world, but couldn't keep his head up. He's the owner of three forty goal seasons, one 100-point season, a career in which he produced at better than a point-per-game average, and an MVP trophy.
He's also the owner of a countless amount of concussions—a total which has reached such a high number because of his refusal to quit the game, and continually endanger his life.
Although Peter Forsberg isn't endangering his life, his constant battle with his foot problems has become eerily reminiscent of Lindros' head trauma.
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Every season now it seems, we hear that Forsberg isn't in the physical shape to compete in the NHL—the strain it would put on his foot is just too much, and the way he plays the game doesn't help at all.
But it still doesn't stop him. He keeps trying and trying, and pushing and pushing in hopes of being able to come back.
On one hand his dedication to the game is admirable.
On the other, like Eric Lindros, the fact that he even considers a return to the NHL is insane.
Forsberg claims that he's "happy with the career he's had".
If that's the case, then maybe he should retire. Far be it from me to know what's best for him, but I can't see the sense in risking the health of your life after hockey, just to be able to play from January to April. May if he's lucky.
Is four months of hockey worth what could be a lifetime of pain? Some would say yes—but only if it's certain.
The fact that Forsberg is an unrestricted free agent brings about the question of uncertainty; that is to say is he certain that any team out there wants him?
The same question was asked late last season when Forsberg announced he would field offers from NHL clubs—a surprise move as it seemed Forsberg was set to take at least a year off—and it was thought that at least 8-10 teams had interest.
If he returns this season, there could be some interested parties—Forsberg did have 14 points in nine games last season proving that he still had the talent—but one has to wonder if there will be any teams willing to take a chance on a man who may not be able to even guarantee you fifteen games.
Take your walking papers while you still can Peter. You gave us fourteen great years and so many memories; now it's time to think of your health, your family, and yourself.
Bryan Thiel is an NHL Community Leader for Bleacher Report and a Senior Writer. You can get in contact with him through his profile, and you can also read his previous work in his archives.
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4 months ago
apparently, tis so. he is a great guy, but he needs to just stop. he is no where near healthy enough to play. he is a hall of famer, though, in my mind. he is one of the best players ever, he just was often injured
4 months ago
Peter is like certain NFL quarterbacks that wont go away, choosing to taint a legacy by prolonging their careers. By the time Peter truly does choose to walk away from the game he will probably be barely able to walk and will have had as many "amazing" years, as terrible ones. Seems to me he hasn't been the same since the appendix thing or whatever, for people that remember when he almost died. I dunno, he just gives me the vibe of like the championship horse that needs to be put down. Remember the memories but face the reality and move on.
4 months ago
I agree that it is maybe time to call it quits. You gotta know when to stop. Foppa should also put a stop to all the speculation and media circus and just make his retirement official. However, although Peter is *saying* that he's happy with the career he have had, there is in my opinion no way in hell - not with his laser sharp winner-head and psyche. The guy hates to lose and there are more than one anecdote of how furiously mad he gets after a loss. ESPN commentator (back when ESPN was covering NHL..) watching a close-up of Foppa line up for face-off: "Wow, look at that face, those eyes....you can't help but thinking there's a stone cold murderer behind those ice blue eyes". So with that in mind and knowing that the guy never ever gives up, he's fighting the toughest battle of his life, with his foot right now. He want to make sure that every (every!) little possibility of a solution is exhausted (twice) before he throws in the towel. That mindset is what made him what he is (was). There have never been a better two-way player with a better view for the game, never a better play-maker or "PP-engine". But this is one battle he will lose, because not only is he battling the foot - age is starting to raise it's ugly head as well. Please put the skates away and enjoy your investments and golf course there in Ornskoldsvik Peter - everyone knows you deserve it.
from 4 months ago
I know part of his determination for the longest time, and something that contributed to his injuries, was that he was incredibly determined to prove to the world that Euro players weren't soft. He's arguably the greatest two-way player of the last 15 years and could change a game all by himself.
4 months ago
Brian, as much as it pains me say it, I agree whole-heartedly. Foppa has spent a good amount of time in this league, turning heads with the stick handling he has. I will always applaud him as an Avalanche fan (his best years were here, and frankly, so am I), a hockey fan, and someone who appreciates the type of people who would even consider ruining their bodies for the love of a game.
Peter does have the drive, no one should ever argue that, but like many before him in many sports, his body is trying to tell him to stop.
Go in peace. A standing ovation awaits...
4 months ago
I'm the biggest Foppa fan around these parts, but even I agree he needs to leave the game. It's obvious he still has the talent to be a star, but his body just doesn't hold up. He's probably a HOF if walks away today and he doesn't have much left to achieve. If anything, he should go back home and try to win that elusive SEL Championship.
about 1 month ago
BS. Foppa belongs on the biggest stage and his tank definately has gas in it. He MUST come back and especially to the right spot. A talented young team that will revitalize him and one that he can carry to to next level ( WSH CHI MON???). For all you "fans" who want him to hang them up gimme a break the guy alone is worth the price of admission. If he's PHYSICALLY and MENTALLY up to it I want him back. I want him on that wall, I need him on that wall, I want to sleep with the blanket of hockey excellence he provides DaXXit
STAK
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