NHL Free Agents 2011: Nicklas Lidstrom and 10 Veterans Who Should Retire

Have you ever had a party at your house, and when everyone goes home, one guy just doesn’t get the hint and won’t leave?

I feel like there are some NHL players who have overstayed their welcome in the league.

While some of the players on this list could play more, sometimes it’s better to retire too soon than stay too long and tarnish your reputation.

Each of these players is getting older, and whether or not they can go another season should be irrelevant, because they should all hang the skates up this season. Enjoy!

10. Vinny Prospal

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 17: Vaclav Prospal #20 of the New York Rangers celebrates with teammates after he scored a third period goal against the Washington Capitals in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playof

After 14 seasons in the NHL, it’s almost time for forward Vinny Prospal to hang up the skates for good.

Prospal could only manage to play in just 29 games this season and only added 23 points.

While it is obvious that he still has some of his scoring touch left, it seems his pace is slowing and the NHL may be passing him by.

9. Chris Osgood

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DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 2: Chris Osgood #30 of the Detroit Red Wings turns a shot away in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 2, 2011 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Flyers defeated the Wings 3-2. (Photo by Claus Anderzen/Get

Being a veteran of over 733 games as a goaltender, Chris Osgood has seen his share of good and bad.

While three Stanley Cups may be the highlight of Osgood’s career, there are plenty of low points that counteract his successes.

Osgood has been over his career, but it is obvious that Detroit sees Jimmy Howard as the goalie of the future and it is time for the fat lady to sing for Osgood.

8. Alex Kovalev

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PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 13: Alexei Kovalev #72 of the Pittsburgh Penguins handles the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Consol Energy Center on April 13, 201

With all of the troubles Alex Kovalev has had over the last few seasons staying healthy and contributing, it should be time for him to hang the skates up in America.

For Kovalev, a return to his native Russia and a place in the KHL might be the perfect exit strategy for his career.

A lack of point production has really shown his limitations and as he will be an unrestricted free agent at seasons end. This would be a good time for exit stage left for Kovalev.

7. Jason Blake

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ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 13: Jason Blake #33 of the Anaheim Ducks is pursued by Jordin Tootoo #22 of the Nashville Predators in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 13, 2011 in Anah

The problem with Jason Blake is that he was never as good as everyone made him out to be.

Blake has never had more than 69 points in his career, and it looks like his 12-year NHL say is drawing to a close.

While he is still a solid two-way forward, Blake has really lost his offensive touch over the years. It looks like Blake’s time is over in the NHL.

6. Dwayne Roloson

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PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 15: Goalie Dwayne Roloson #35 of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a third period save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Consol Energy Ce

Some people believe that his stay in Tamp Bay will give him new life. I believe Dwayne Roloson is on his last leg.

For the 41-yearyold goaltender, 13 years of service in the NHL is probably all he has in him. The Lightning have to go out this offseason and find a long-term solution in net.

While Roloson has a lot left in the tank, he has shown his inconsistency and might not have the opportunity to play in the NHL next season.

5. Doug Weight

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SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Doug Weight #93 of the New York Islanders in action against the San Jose Sharks on November 11, 2010 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

With 18 seasons in the books, it looks like the storied career of Doug Weight will be coming to a close.

Weight is one of the best American-born NHL players of all time and has 278 goals and 755 assists for 1,033 points in 1238 games.

Weight has been struck with a lot of injuries late in his career, and it looks like this could spell the end of the road.

4. Mark Recchi

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BOSTON, MA - MARCH 24: Paul Mara #22 of the Montreal Canadiens AND Mark Recchi #28 of the Boston Bruins get in a shoving match as Carey Price #31 stops a shot on March 24, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Mark Recchi is an iron man and his play on the ice is still solid, even at 43 years old.

Recchi is currently 12th all time in points, fourth all time in games and has won two Stanley Cups.

While his body still may be able to go, it may be time for Recchi to enjoy retired life and move into a coaching position or something along those lines if he can’t stay away from the game.

3. Teemu Selanne

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ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 13: Saku Koivu #11 and Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks celebrate Selanne's third period goal against the Nashville Predators in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda C

Teemu Selanne is one of the best offensive players in NHL history and is coming to the end of his road in pro hockey

In 1,259 career games, Selanne has amassed 637 goals and 703 assists for 1,340 points. He also had one of the most successful rookie seasons ever. He scored 76 goals and had 132 points.

While I feel Selanne has been rejuvenated by the talent in Anaheim, it appears the end is closer than it seems.

2. Mike Modano

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DETROIT, MI - MARCH 30: Mike Modano #90 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the St. Louis Blues at Joe Louis Arena on March 30, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Mike Modano has seen his production slip, and his career has been coming to a close for a long time.

Modano doesn’t want to face life without hockey, but I think a role in the Dallas Stars organization will be available as soon as the new ownership group takes the helm.

While he may be getting older, Modano’s career numbers speak to the talent he had. He registered 557 goals and had a career total of 1,359 points, both of which are records for a player born in the United States.

1. Nicklas Lidstrom

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DETROIT, MI - MARCH 30: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings looks on the St. Louis Blues at Joe Louis Arena on March 30, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Nicklas Lidstrom is one of the greatest defensemen to ever play the game of hockey. He has been loyal to his organization and his rewarded them with his exquisite services.

Lidstrom has won four Stanley Cups, six James Norris Memorial Trophies and has been voted into 11 NHL All-Star games.

With that said, the time is drawing near for Lidstrom to walk away. There is nothing sadder then a player overstaying his welcome and disintegrating in front of the world.

Lidstrom is one of the best, and his exit needs to be a positive one. He deserves that, and all of his fans deserve that.