E-Train Derailed?TSN.ca is reporting that Eric Lindros' future as a player may be in question. The "Big E" is an unrestricted free agent but has been focusing more on a players association role than an actual player.
"Right now my focus is the 'PA work," says Lindros. "I'm not really concerned about the rest of it. But the last couple of years have been pretty frustrating in terms of not getting through without being injury-free. . It's just frustrating."
Never known as an iron man, the last couple of years in particular have been difficult health wise for Lindros. He hasn't played more than 50 games in the last 3 seasons. Scariest part of those 3 years is his well documented concussion problems aren't even the cause of the missed games. Sore groin, bruised foot, sprained wrist, you name it Lindros couldn't skate because of them.
I won't say it's impossible, but the times of Eric Lindros being a top scorer in the leauge are over. If it wasn't for Ken Griffey Jr. or Teemu Selanne I would say it's impossible but I'll leave that open for Eric. If Lindros did decide it was time to hang up the skates, what would his legacy be? One of the most unique talents to ever skate a sheet of National Hockey League ice? Or an injury prone star, who's career ended at the age of 34 as a third/fourth line center. Or lets just take it a step further. Is he a hall of fame player?
Think what you will of Lindros since he signed with the Rangers, his years with the Philadelphia Flyers are down right scary. Never in the history of hockey was there a player like Eric Lindros. Some guys had the size, some guys had the hands, the speed, the shot, the viciousness, but nobody ever had it all at the level of #88. 6-4 and over 240 pounds, in his prime Lindros received the nickname E-Train because at full speed he would demolish anyone in his path with or without the puck. For a moment in time Eric Lindros was a dominating force in the league. He could park himself at the bottom the circle and unleash a deadly snap shot, set up teammates with 60 assists or wreck opposing players with bone crunching checks and overpowering fights. His skill was remarkable, his body mass was undeniable, and the only thing that got in his way was injuries or more specifically the shoulder of Scott Stevens.
Now does he have a hall of fame career? Put it this way. He has 865 points in 760 games. He is an Olympic Silver and Gold Medalist with team Canada. For a span of 6-7 years was a dominant player in the league and in the 94-95 season won the Hart Trophy as MVP on the league. Look at his situation like you would Pavel Bure. Both better than point per game career wise. Both dominating but tailed off due to injuries. If you ask me, both will be in the hall of fame as well.
Is it over for Eric? I believe he could contribute on a team in a limited role and as a power play specialist. Should he? Probably not. The memory I want of Eric Lindros isn't the picture of him struggling to contribute in random jerseys. It's the memory of watching a player that for a short period of time was one word. Great.
3 comments:
Eric Lindros' time as a major player in the NHL are long gone. I agree, at this point, he doesn't need to extend his legacy as a failing journeyman. If he still had a thirst to win the Stanley Cup, I could understand an eagerness to come back to the NHL. But since he's stating he'd rather worry about his NHLPA duties over getting back into the league, it's clear that the passion is gone and a comeback is unnecessary.
Lindros will never be the player he used to be, and it's pointless for him to keep trying. He should only come back if winning a Stanley Cup is still the most important thing for him in his life in hockey.
d.ford says..
While it is true that Lindros had impressive numbers for a few seasons many other players have had the same situation, not only with injuries but with legal and contractional agreements, need I say any more of Theo Fleury? The hall of fame is one place Lindros should never be, although his situation is unfortunate it does not mean that he should be given one of the highest honors in the sport. He could have tailed off for the past three years without injury, or he could have been even better, we will never know. And the reality is that Lindros is just as likely to make a comeback as is Billy Smith. With his history of injuries Lindros would not be able to play at full capacity without having the thought of another shoulder connecting his face. His career is over.
Neil- Good point with him trying to get a cup. I actually could see him coming back just for that..but then again like you said he doesn't seem interested.
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