NHL Fading Stars: Mike Modano and 5 Players That Should Retire

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Hockey has quickly become a young man's game. 

The post-lockout era has put on emphasis on speed, and frankly many older players cannot keep up. 

There are many older players who have suffered debilitating injuries that make it unwise to continue their careers. 

These include players like Marc Savard, Paul Kariya and Daniel Alfredsson. 

Here is a list of the five older players that should probably consider retirement in the offseason. 

Please feel free to comment with other players that you think should hang up their skates. 

Paul Kariya

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Paul Kariya's career has been riddled with injuries. 

He probably should retire for his own health. 

He did not play at all last season due to post concussion syndrome, and it seems like retirement is just a formality. 

Kariya has had an impressive career and should receive consideration for induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Saku Koivu

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Saku Koivu has had a complete career. 

Frankly, Koivu can no longer keep up in the new NHL. 

Koivu has had a steady career, but was never an offensive threat. 

Koivu is one of the all-time great leaders, as evidenced by being the captain of the Montreal Canadiens for nine seasons, tying Jean Beliveau for the franchise record. 

Koivu has had a great career, but one that probably should come to an end. 

Wade Redden

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Wade Redden has deeply fallen from grace. 

He should probably retire from hockey just to keep what little bit of dignity he has left. 

He was once one of the best defencemen in the league, but now is stuck playing for the New York Rangers' AHL affiliate the Connecticut Whale.

Realistically, Redden probably will not retire because he is guaranteed to be making around $6.5 million for the next 3 seasons.

Daniel Alfredsson

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Daniel Alfredsson should also consider retirement. 

Mid-season back surgery put an early end to his 2010-2011 season. 

Alfredsson will always be loved in Ottawa, but it just does not make sense for him to continue. 

The Ottawa Senators are still a good two or three seasons away from being a playoff team again, and by that time Daniel will be around 40 years of age. 

It just does not make sense for Alfredsson to continue his career unless he is traded to a cup contender. 

Mike Modano

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Mike Modano is the player in the NHL most likely to retire. 

In an injury-riddled 2010-2011 campaign for the Detroit Red Wings, Modan was only able to muster 15 points.

While the Red Wings will be a cup contender for a few more years, Modano's role on the team will diminish to being almost non-existant. 

Modano has had a Hockey Hall-of-Fame-caliber career and should probably end it before he is forced to.