It was announced yesterday, that 43 year old Claude Lemieux would be returning to the ice, to play with the San Jose Sharks. He had been playing for their AHL affiliate, and is now being "called up" to the roster, just in time for their last game before the All Star break.
What do you think of this?
With San Jose being the best team, by far, in the Western Conference, it seems like a publicity stunt. They obviously don't need any help, but they could certainly use the respect and playoff experience that a player like Claude brings to the table. He'll help, as far as bringing the young guys along, and molding them into stronger playoff contenders than they have been, but he won't do much on either end of the ice, and probably won't be the scrapper that he was known to be. I'm al for nostalgia, but I'm not for seeing an old man get creamed on the ice. It's been 6 years since he last played. Hire him as a coach, or team assistant, but don't put him on the ice...
What do you think of this?
With San Jose being the best team, by far, in the Western Conference, it seems like a publicity stunt. They obviously don't need any help, but they could certainly use the respect and playoff experience that a player like Claude brings to the table. He'll help, as far as bringing the young guys along, and molding them into stronger playoff contenders than they have been, but he won't do much on either end of the ice, and probably won't be the scrapper that he was known to be. I'm al for nostalgia, but I'm not for seeing an old man get creamed on the ice. It's been 6 years since he last played. Hire him as a coach, or team assistant, but don't put him on the ice...