11/05/24
August 02, 2002
Say it Ain't So, Wayne.: Mario, M.J., now Gretzky?! Don't know if this is a great idea or not, but rumors of the Great One's return to the ice are starting to pop up, thanks to Roenick and others...
I certainly think that Gretzky *could* come back to the game and play; however, it would be nowhere near his peak level (nor, indeed, the level that Lemieux has played on his return). I'm also concerned that if he were to come back and play (for Phoenix), there would be almost zero doubt that it would be perceived as an attempt to boost his team's revenue base [remember the skepticism Mario has (nay, continues) to face regarding his motivations for returning]. I think Lemieux came back because he still had something to prove; with Gretzky, what's left?
posted by filmgoerjuan at 06:37 PM on August 02, 2002
I sure hope that he's just trying to get out there and be active... I'm all for him playing hockey... just not rejoining the NHL. Speaking of comebacks, I met some jr players at the gym today who invited me to skate, so I'm all pumped up to get back on skates after having retired a year and a half ago... not quite the same thing but exciting for me :)
posted by Bernreuther at 06:54 PM on August 02, 2002
The only way I see this being a positive thing for Gretzky would be if he were to practise the entire season and then come back ONLY for the playoffs. Use him strictly as a power-play specialist and I could see where he'd be huge boost to a team. But if he's playing semi-full time during the season, he'll run out of gas for the playoffs. After what Forsberg did this year, I can see where Phoenix might be interested in trying the same thing (except voluntarily, not by injury) with Gretzky. That said, I REALLY hope this is just a bunch of fun being had by Roenick et al. In fact, it could be a semi-sneaky method by the Coyote management to sell extra seasons tickets. Gretzky doesn't HAVE to come back (just practise a lot in August/Sept, announce "can't play at peak, therefore not coming back") and I'll bet they'll still sell a thousand more seasons tickets based on the HOPE he'd come back.
posted by grum@work at 08:59 PM on August 02, 2002
There is no way. No way possible. Gretz is not coming back. He's got a bad back and he's several years older than Mario. His hands are full running the Coyotes, and he's said many times that he plans on staying retired. I call BS on JR!
posted by Succa at 12:31 AM on August 03, 2002
Will it be legal to check him this time around? Assuming the old rules apply (where checking Gretz results in penalty time), he should do just fine. Sincerely Yours, Don Cherry
posted by yerfatma at 03:02 PM on August 03, 2002
Maybe he's trying to break Gordie Howe's record of playing in consecutive decades...
posted by andrewraff at 12:52 PM on August 05, 2002
This is nothing like Jordan. Jordan didn't need to retire, whereas Gretzky was on his last legs physically when he hung up the skates. He might be able to play light pick up and skate with the players, but I doubt he'll ever be back in the NHL.