Quoting: Kotkaniemi15
I agree with everything you’re saying. I’m just thinking that it’s much more likely that Weber wants to still play hockey but can’t because of his injuries than that he just decided to retire.
Well lets examine the situation:
- If he missed the entirety of next year, he'll be 37 at the start of the following season. 22-23
- He'll be owed only 6M over the next 4 years remaining at that point. 3M for 1 year then 3 years of 1M.
- How many dman are able to still be effective at 37-38? Not many and most are considered anchors on their teams.
- Not only is it hard enough for Weber to be good at age 37, how hard would it be for a 37 year old to go through all those injuries AND THEN come back and play good?
Why does a player want to play hockey? Because he believes he can help his team. Why would a 37 year old Weber, after multiple injuries loom at himself in the mirror and think he could come back to even 50% his normal self?
I don't know how he can honestly think after missing a full year at 37 after all those injuries, that he'll just be able to come back in the NHL and dominate. Not to mention that MTL is left holding the bag now because they can't replace his salary long term if they know he'll try to come back. So no Hamilton. it'll have to be 1 year deals for lesser players until they know he CANT come back and is forced to retire.
Weber is in a precarious position. What he's attempting to do has almost never been done before at his age. Most players who had to deal with things like this and came back were still in their prime. Stamkos with his leg. Kevan Miller with his back. etc etc
If Weber really wants to take one more kick at the can, Im all for it, but Nashville is certainly crapping their pants every year that goes by without him retiring. That recapture penalty will only get more expensive.