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

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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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 20: Paul Kariya #9 of the St. Louis Blues skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on March 20, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. The Blues defeated the Devils 1-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

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

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 15: Saku Koivu #11 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Nashville Predators in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 15, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Ph

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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UNIONDALE, NY - MARCH 30: Wade Redden #6 of the New York Rangers skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on March 30, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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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UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 05: Daniel Alfredsson #11 of the Ottawa Senators skates during an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum on February 5, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

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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GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 20: Mike Modano #90 of the Detroit Red Wings shakes hands with head coach Dave Tippett of the Phoenix Coyotes following Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Jobing.com Arena on

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.