Toronto Maple Leafs: Top 5 Players Who May Retire If NHL Season Is Over
The NHL playoffs was supposed to start this week but unfortunately for players and fans, the only way we’ll be watching the Toronto Maple Leafs lift the Stanley Cup anytime soon is through through re-runs and video games.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the youngest teams in the NHL with only three players 30 years old or older.
It’s crazy how much different the rosters are being constructed today than they were 20 years ago. In previous decades, the Leafs roster was led by veterans, whereas today you rarely see an older player.
The 2003-04 Leafs roster had seven players aged 35 or older (!). Their starting goaltender 38 year old Ed Belfour and their second leading goal scorer Gary Roberts was 37 years old. They even traded for a 40 year old Ron Francis at the NHL Trade Deadline for more depth.
If your team was constructed this way in today’s NHL, it’d be a miracle if you made the playoffs, let alone complete for a Stanley Cup.
It’s unfortunate for older players, but beneficial for the sport, as it’s become more skillful and fast.
As a result, below are the top five players who may be forced to retire if this current NHL season doesn’t return.
#5. Jason Spezza
The former 2nd overall pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft is currently in his first season with Toronto.
When the NHL returns, Spezza will most likely be 37 years old and will be without an NHL contract if this season gets cancelled.
Spezza hasn’t scored double-digit goals since the 2016-17 season and is definitely a shell of his old self. Don’t get me wrong, Spezza has been a steady 4th line center this season but the extended time off could really hurt his longevity.
#4. Justin Williams
Williams has accomplished everything that a player dreams of. He’s a three-time Stanley Cup champion and also a Conn Smythe winner. Not only that, but he’s been so clutch during his career that he was given the nickname “Mr. Game 7”.
At 38 years old, Williams had already taken a step away from hockey at the beginning of the 2019-20 season, speculating that he was going to retire. He ended up returning to Carolina, and had 11 points in 20 games before the season stopped, showing he still has it.
However, based on Williams’ decision to join the team midway through this season it felt as if this would be his last year, so if this current season doesn’t return, expect Williams to call it quits.
#3. Ryan Miller
For the last few seasons, Miller has transitioned from a number-one goaltender to back-up, but has been very serviceable.
In 23 games played this season, Miller has a .907 save percentage, and 3.10 goals against average. That’s not too bad for a soon-to-be 40 year old goaltender.
Miller has a very accomplished hockey career. Despite never winning a Stanley Cup, he’s won Hobey Baker Award, Vezina Trophy, and silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
It’s a lot harder for a goaltender to find work than a forward, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Miller retires if the current season never returns.
#2. Patrick Marleau
It’s no secret that Marleau is a shell of himself. He can still skate and get up and down the rink, but father-time has caught up to him.
Marleau’s career is Hockey Hall of Fame worthy. 1723 games played, 562 goals and 1188 points is remarkable. But, like most players who hold onto their career too long, a Stanley Cup is the only thing missing on his resume.
After being traded to Pittsburgh at the NHL Trade Deadline, this seemed like the last kick at the can for Marleau. The Penguins are one of a handful of teams with a legitimate shot at a Stanley Cup this year, but as the season stops, so does Marleau’s chance at a Cup.
It’s possible that Marleau will return for one more season, but retirement seems enviable for the soon to be 41 year old.
#1. Zdeno Chara
There must be something in the water that prevents veterans from retiring in Boston. Whether it’s Tom Brady or Zdeno Chara, it feels like their careers are never going to end.
At 43 years old, Chara is currently the oldest player in the NHL. With 1553 games played, a Norris Trophy and a Stanley Cup, Chara has had a Hall-of-Fame career.
In recent reports, Chara has continued to point out that he doesn’t plan on retiring soon, but if the season gets cancelled, another six months off may change that decision.