Is This the Last on Brendan Shanahan?

Odds are that when veteran forward Brendan Shanahan parted ways with the New Jersey Devils on Thursday hockey fans from all over were wondering whether they have seen the last of this hall of fame hockey player. The sad part for athletes such as Shanahan is that this 40 year old who has accumulated 1,354 career points can’t overcome falling victim to father time. A three- time Stanley Cup winner from his days with the Detroit Red Wings (’97, ’98, 2002) Shanahan who has 656 career goals signed this past off-season a one- year deal worth one million with the New Jersey Devils. Instead of getting ready to enter his 22nd NHL season with the team that originally drafted him second overall in 1987 Shanahan decided to part ways with the club and take some time with friends and family in deciding if he still wants to play. According to Devils President/CEO/and GM Lou Lammoriello several young prospects have emerged in training camp and that combined with the off-season signings of Rob Niedermayer and Ilkka Pikkarainen have pushed Shanahan far down the depth chart. “Certain players have to play, they have to grow,” Lamoriello said. “And there’s only one way for that to happen, and that’s for them to be in the lineup. Especially with what we have seen of them in training camp from day one.” Lamoriello was specifically talking about prized prospects Niclas Bergfors and Matt Halischuk who this past season combined to score 36 goals and 80 points with the Devils American Hockey League team in Lowell. Heading into this new campaign Shanahan who didn’t participate in the Devil’s morning skate on Thursday is still for now listed on the 23- man team roster. Last season Shanahan was acquired by the Devils on January 10 and scored 6 goals and 14 points in 34 games. “When I signed this past summer,” Lou Lamoriello, Jacques Lemaire (coach), and I agreed that if we were unable to find a suitable fit in which I would be able to compete and contribute at the level I expect from myself, then I would simply step aside,” Shanahan who is an eight time All Star said. “I have great respect for Lou, Jacques, and the entire Devils’ organization. This decision is both mutual and amicable.”