I don't know if there is a bigger Joe Sakic fan than I am. I have followed his career from his earliest days as a member of the Quebec Nordiques. In fact, it was his play that turned me into a fan of the Nordiques in their final year in Quebec, and to jump fully on to the bandwagon when they made their move to Colorado to become the Avalanche.
Joe Sakic is a class act and extremely well respected in the professional hockey ranks. It would be a huge loss to both the Colorado Avalanche and the NHL if he were to retire. I have read many articles the past few months concerning the upcoming decision Joe will make - either to play on or retire. Most fans want him to play on.
Only a few would dare say anything to the contrary. One writer suggested that his defensive game has slipped significantly in recent years, and that he had the worst plus/minus amongst forwards in the recent playoffs. The general consensus is that he still has game left in him, and that he could even play for the Canadian Olympic Team in 2010 when the Olympic games will be in Vancouver.
Some reports (suggesting that they have inside information) believe that he plans to play one to two more years, and that had he planned to retire, he would have done so by now. I believe that Joe Sakic wants to make sure, one way or the other, if he wants to play on or retire.
He is seeking the counsel of retired athletes (such as John Elway) and discussing it with his family. Most people believe that he has earned the right to take his time on making this decision. He is professional enough that he will not decide to skip training camp and start playing part way through the season.
He is adamant that if he is playing, he will be in training camp. He is the ultimate professional, so you know that you can take his word to the bank. To me, the question is whether Joe Sakic feels he has anything left to play for, and if he will be playing for a mediocre, re-building team that may not even make the playoffs.
On the other hand, I also believe that he can be a great mentor to the many young, upcoming Avalanche players. I do believe that it is time for Joe to make a decision and inform the Avs. Mats Sundin has set August 1 as his deadline to make a decision.
I believe that Joe needs to do the same, for his own sake and for the sake of the team. I have no concerns that Joe will come to training camp out of shape, because he is known for his off-ice and off-season workout regime. The question is whether he will be mentally prepared to play.
Please, Joe, we have been patient fans, but please make your decision soon!
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2 months ago
Piss on Joe the Turncoat
from 2 months ago
Hey Ropey! I noticed that you have not written any articles yet. I hope that you have not emerged from your oath of silence to offer such uneducated words as, "Piss on Joe the Turncoat." Do you really have that little of a vocabulary? Are you really that uneducated when it comes to hockey and such great players as Joe Sakic. Please, tell me that you come from some part of the US where the general population knows nothing about hockey and doesn't really care. You most certainly cannot be from Canada, for you would show more respect for one of the greatest Canadian players in NHL history. He was the best player on the 2002 Canadian Olympic team that won the gold medal. No true Canadian would forget that.
2 months ago
I believe Joe Sakic is being very selfish towards the Avalanche organization. The Avalanche are reserving time and money for someone that might not even play next year. I believe he should have had his desicion made up last year and informed the Avalanche of his future plans. If he decides not to play next year, the avalanche will have wasted time and have money that they could have used in early July to help get a top notch free-agent.
from 2 months ago
I am not surprised that you have not yet written any articles on this site. I don't know how any true knowledgeable hockey fan could question the motive or integrity of a player who has given his everything to one organization such as Joe Sakic gave to the Nordiques/Avalanche organization. He has been the ultimate professional who will be in the Hockey Hall of Fame the first year that he is eligible. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, a Hart Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy winner. Who will ever forget how he carried the Avs to the Cup in 1996, and how he handed the cup to Ray Bourque in 2001. Does that sound like a selfish player?
If you took a look at the free agents that were available (apart from Marion "Chase a Cup" Hossa), there is really no one worth spending ridiculous money on. Do you really think that Mats Sundin is worth the ten million/yr that the Canucks are offering him? The Avs have a plan to develop their young prospects and I like how they have been building for the future. You wait and see - they will soon return to the upper echelon of the league!
Now, stop writing nonsense and start writing some articles worth reading!
2 months ago
Great article. I too have been a fan of the Great's since Quebec.
For anyone to question Super Joe's value to his team, especially in the playoffs, I have a couple points.
1. March 28, 2008. Joe Sakic forces overtime and eventual SO win by scoring equalizer with 5.9 seconds remaining in regulation.
2. April 9, 2008. Joe Sakic tallies his 8th career overtime goal in the playoffs, an NHL record.
There has never been any question as to who the leader of this team is, nor should there be. If Joe played his final game last season, a thank you is in order. If he plans to come back, he has earnedthe right to deliberate that.
I agree that a commitment would be great, but either way we have been blessed in Colorado.
from 2 months ago
So well said, Geoff. There are so many great things that Joe Sakic has done in his career. I had the privilege of meeting him in Disneyland in the summer of 2004. He took time from his family vacation to talk (and shake the hands) of my son and I. He was so down to earth and real. I know a lady who went to High School with him when he was a member of the Swift Current Broncos (where he played Junior Hockey) and she said that he is a very nice man.
I really hope that he has not played his last game! An 8-2 drubbing at the hands of those hated Red Wings is not how I want him to go out. But if he decides to call it a career, I can assure you that he will be in the Hall of Fame the first year that he is eligible.
2 months ago
Brent he is an amazing person! I volunteer with the Colorado Youth Hockey Foundation and he is a huge part of that. He is at so many events signing and shaking hands. He truly is a sportsman
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