Productive NHL Players Most Likely to Retire After the 2015-16 Season

NHL hockey is a young man's game. Most players leave the game through means other than their own choice—injury, erosion or playing for a disappointing team. If a player survives past 35 in today's NHL, he's a fitness freak and absolutely fighting against Father Time.

It's easy to assume productive players will remain that way, but the truth is there are signs of downward performance everywhere. At some point, those productive players will be forced to make a decision: a lesser role, a lesser league or retirement.

Here are nine productive NHL players most likely to retire at the end of the 2015-16 season.

9. Raffi Torres, LW, San Jose Sharks

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

What Kind of Player Was He at His Peak? Raffi Torres at his best was a rugged winger who could score goals and keep the opposition nervous. His best seasons came early in his career with the Edmonton Oilers. 

What Kind of Player Is He Now? At this point Torres is a broken player trying to get back to health. As this article from Curtis Pashelka of Working the Corners tells us, he took a year off and endured several knee surgeries. 

Signs He's Near the End: No one should question Torres' dedication to the game, but after all this work he still has to stay healthy in order to compete. He's young enough (33) to have another career if things work out, but there's every chance this year will be his last—if he plays a game.

8. Jason Chimera, LW, Washington Capitals

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

What Kind of Player Was He at His Peak? Jason Chimera of the Washington Capitals has been a productive checking winger for most of this century. He's a rugged player and an effective scorer in a complementary role. 

What Kind of Player Is He Now? The key to Chimera's game has always been skating and at age 36 he isn't getting to the play on time. That said, he's still effective when he does arrive. 

Signs He's Near the End: Chimera's playing time took a hit last season—it fell over two-and-a-half minutes in average time on ice per game—and he's a free agent at the end of the season. He could find employment elsewhere, but a lot of similar players had a difficult time finding employment this summer.

7. Shawn Horcoff, C, Anaheim Ducks

LM Otero/Associated Press

What Kind of Player Was He at His Peak? Shawn Horcoff was a two-way talent, the top center for the Edmonton Oilers during their difficult period after the 2006 Stanley Cup run. In later years, he served as a mentor to young talents like Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle.

What Kind of Player Is He Now? He remains a productive player, although in a reduced role. His linemates now don't resemble Hall or Eberle and Horcoff isn't expected to win the game—his job is to not lose the game or give up a goal when he's on the ice.

Signs He's Near the End: Horcoff turned 37 on September 17. He averaged 19:35 time on ice in 2011-12 and was down to 13 minutes in 2014-15 and—now with Anaheim—is about to play on his third team in four seasons. All are classic signs of career demise, and he is a free agent at season's end.

6. Niklas Backstrom, G, Minnesota Wild

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

What Kind of Player Was He at His Peak? Niklas Backstrom of the Minnesota Wild was a stellar goalie for the team over a seven-year period beginning in 2006. He did well in many of those seasons in voting for the Vezina Trophy and led the league in save percentage and goals-against average in 2006-07. 

What Kind of Player Is He Now? Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune wrote recently about Backstrom's injury problems and the Wild's contemplating a buyout of the player. Russo also details the specific injury issues and their possible impact on the rest of his career. 

Signs He's Near the End: The article from Russo states the issues this past season marked the fourth consecutive season he's had some kind of surgery for various problems. He'll be 38 in February, and his contract expires at the end of the 2015-16 season. It's difficult to imagine an NHL team offering more than a camp invite next fall based on his long medical past.

5. Alexander Semin, LW, Montreal Canadiens

Karl B DeBlaker/Associated Press

What Kind of Player Was He at His Peak? Alexander Semin has posted substantial offensive seasons during his NHL career, peaking between 2008 and 2010 with the Washington Capitals. 

What Kind of Player Is He Now? Semin is past his offensive peak now, but he can help in that area and is an excellent possession player—as shown by HockeyAnalysis.com. 

Signs He's Near the End: Semin is now with the Montreal Canadiens on a one-year deal, as interest in him was not strong this summer. Even though he's a lesser offensive option at this point, his worth to an NHL team is far more than his contract. If another summer comes with these kinds of options available, Semin may decide to retire from the NHL and pursue a career in the KHL. 

4. Brad Richards, C, Detroit Red Wings

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

What Kind of Player Was He at His Peak? A decade ago Brad Richards was one of the best players in the NHL. He won the Conn Smythe and Lady Byng trophies in 2003-04 and played a complete game for the Tampa Bay Lightning in their heyday. 

What Kind of Player Is He Now? He remains a solid offensive option and a veteran who brings intelligent play to every shift. He plays in less important moments in the game but is still reliable.

Signs He's Near the End: Richards is a free agent in the summer of 2016 and will be 36 at that time. The Detroit Red Wings are his fourth team in the last six seasons and his speed and skill are deteriorating. Hanging on for more seasons is possible, but he's moving down the depth chart at a rapid rate.

3. Patrik Elias, LW, New Jersey Devils

Mel Evans/Associated Press

What Kind of Player Was He at His Peak? Patrik Elias at his peak was the perfect New Jersey Devils player—a talented offensive forward who eschewed the risky or dynamic in favor of systems and defensive play. 

What Kind of Player Is He Now? At age 39, Elias is essentially the same player he was a decade ago, although the years have impacted the brilliance of his performance. 

Signs He's Near the End: Elias is going to play this season with a team that is in rebuild mode, and that's a difficult thing for an older player. It's likely he won't be an NHL player the next time the Devils are a playoff team, so every game this season will be difficult to endure if the ultimate goal is no longer in sight. He is a free agent at the end of the year.

2. Dan Boyle, D, New York Rangers

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

What Kind of Player Was He at His Peak? Dan Boyle spent much of his career as the prototypical modern NHL defenseman. Mobile with great vision and expert passing ability, Boyle defended less because he was so good at sending the puck in a new direction. 

What Kind of Player Is He Now? Boyle's speed has been diminished and with it much of his offensive game. He's a smart defenseman, and his vast experience allows him to be an effective player. 

Signs He's Near the End: Boyle has now passed 1,000 NHL games and is in the final season of his contract with the New York Rangers. While still productive, the 2016 free-agency period may be a good stepping off point for a fine career.

1. Jaromir Jagr, RW, Florida Panthers

Alan Diaz/Associated Press

What Kind of Player Was He at His Peak? Jaromir Jagr was one of the best forwards in the game's history during his prime—and Jagr's prime was substantial. Incredible skill married to strength and a willingness to go to tough areas were hallmarks of his career.

What Kind of Player Is He Now? Jagr's career coda—like the player himself—has been stellar and majestic. He'll be 44 on the day after Valentine's Day 2016 and remains productive offensively.

Signs He's Near the End: He is such an iconic figure that each season's erosion—slight as it may be—takes the shine off his incredible career. As painful as it might be for NHL fans to contemplate, this could be the final season for Jagr in the NHL. He is a free agent summer 2016 and may choose to retire at that time.