The kid's seriously hurt. He often isn't even allowed to skate, much less practice, or, God forbid, play. He seems like a nice guy and he's really well beloved. I don't know if he's still living with Mario Lemieux, but either way, I am absolutely certain that he has plenty of connections to help him get on his feet in a life away from hockey.

I like watching him play and I'd hate to see him go, but I'd hate even more for him to get himself killed over a game.

Starry Heavens: The kid's seriously hurt. He often isn't even allowed to skate, much less practice, or, God forbid, play. He seems like a nice guy and he's really well beloved. I don't know if he's still living with Mario Lemieux, but either way, I am absolutely certain that he has plenty of connections to help him get on his feet in a life away from hockey.

I like watching him play and I'd hate to see him go, but I'd hate even more for him to get himself killed over a game.

Unfortunately for the Penguins, he's a real suck on the budget if he's not playing. He's been out almost a year now and while it would be great to keep him, if he's really that hurt he should probably be cut so they can bring in someone else to help shore up that first line.

Angry Drunk Bureaucrat: Unfortunately for the Penguins, he's a real suck on the budget if he's not playing. He's been out almost a year now and while it would be great to keep him, if he's really that hurt he should probably be cut so they can bring in someone else to help shore up that first line.

I'm sure he would be more than worth the cost if he came back. Not only is he a good player, he's probably the only one that a good number of Pittsburghers know. Sure, there's plenty of players to support for the actual fans, and I don't think the Penguins have any trouble selling seats, but he's the go-to player to root for when the Steelers Nation runs out of football to watch.

I'm sure there's some team out there willing to trade for him. No reason to cut him outright if you don't have to, but also you've got to get rid of that albatross.

Yes, he should absolutely hang them up. He's famous and set for life, yet has likely already done long-term damage to the most vital of all organs. Walk/skate away while you can, kid, and cross your fingers that early-onset dimensia doesn't grab you as firmly and as early as is already likely.

if he doesn't want to end up being a drooling veggie it might be time to hang up the skates and put on some brightly colored suits...

As a Penguins fan, I am disappointed he played that game in Tampa. If you watched the 24/7 series, he looked dazed in the locker room after the Steckel hit. He should never have played the game in Tampa, never.

I think the NHL needs to get in the front of the concussion issue and the fact the face of the league is forced to retire due to concussions, should be the biggest wake up call for Betteman et.al.

Thanks for the Cup run Sid, time to move on kid.

I think he'll try to keep the dream alive at least until the 2014 Winter Games but whether he's active in the NHL for any of that time remains to be seen.

With all the setbacks and the specialists he's seen, I'd be shocked if he wasn't considering retirement. Subby just doesn't understand if he's using the tag.

He is the Manning of the NHL....

But no matter my dislike for him or the Ovie / Crosby rivalry, i hate seeing such a skilled player go out like this.

Klippoklondike: As a Red Wings fan I say yes

As a Red Wing fan and hockey fan, I hoped he'd recover. Hockey is good hockey even if it's not my team.

/i'm from the south, maybe since I get to see so little of it, i cherish it more.... ;)

Wettner: As a Penguins fan, I am disappointed he played that game in Tampa. If you watched the 24/7 series, he looked dazed in the locker room after the Steckel hit. He should never have played the game in Tampa, never.

Just from what he was saying in the locker room at intermission, it was clear that something was up. Add that to the fact that it took him a while to regain his composure just to get off the ice, and that he was still hurting, he should have been shut down right then and there.

While the Steckel hit was the start, it was the 2 hits that he took in the Tampa game that really made this a bad situation for the kid. Every hockey player (minus the very few who don't like to play tough) likes to show he's dedicated to the team and will try to give 100% every night. With some of the bruisers, it's fine, but when you have the top scorer in the league with concussion symptoms, you take every precaution necessary.
Which is why I'm glad they're taking it slow with Backstrom after he got Rene Bourque'd.

Suck it up.

Jubeebee: Damn shame, too. I was never a Crosby fan, but the season he was having last year before he took that shot really started to win me over. He was scoring at a better clip than anyone in 15 years, was a farking bull on the boards, and really was starting to up the defensive side of his game too.

It's odd how the two stars the league hyped up post-lockout have really taken nosedives in the last season and a half. Ovechkin isn't even the best player on his team anymore.

Who is Bettman going to pitch next year? The Sedins are on the wrong side of 30 and have only one set of DNA between them. Toews smiles twice a year if he's really happy. Giroux has a French name and plays for the Flyers; he might make a good heel. Malkin talks like a Wookie.There aren't many options.

Phil Kessel's a real people person.

Ok, on a more serious note, Joffrey Lupol's only 28. Honestly though, I don't think you'll ever see a "league hyped" star out of Toronto, Montreal, Boston or Ottawa, for reason's that are obvious to anyone who's been a hockey fan for more than 10 years. I found myself liking Crosby after a while. Hard worker, less whiny than when he started out (and when he does whine it's legitimate), and did a great job on team Canada. If he played for Montreal, Boston or Ottawa it would make it a lot more difficult since I hate the teams so much. Much more likely you'll see a league hyped star on a fairly fan-hate neutral team. Likely US, but I could possibly see them pushing Winnipeg.

Dougie AXP: Two Stanley Cups
A few league MVPs (if I remember correctly)
Stanley Cup MVP (if I remember correctly)
An Olympic Gold medal
Beloved in Canada and Pittsburgh
A great ambassador for the game

What exactly does he need to prove anymore?

The best things for a concussion is rest and time. I'm sure the league can find something for him to do. And then in the future if he feels better and is clear let him have at it.

I means he's only 24!

Rest it kid.

/and I'm a dirty Flyers fan

Two Stanley Cup Final appearances, maybe, but he's only won one Cup. Also, only one Hart Trophy win. Regardless, I agree. He's done quite a bit in a short amount of time.

I'd really love for the media to give up on this story until there's a real development in it. I'm honestly surprised we haven't seen an article yet detailing his choice of breakfast foods on a given day and the speculation on what impact it could have on his ability to return to the game. "Crosby's switches to Cheerios - Is this the road to recovery?". There are tons of other stories in the NHL I'd love to get more detail on this year, but we continue to get this crappy melodrama pushed on us. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on Sid himself, it's just that until he retires, or suits up for a game again, it shouldn't be front-page news.

He's technically done all there is to do already as far as what's considered for 'great' players, aside from trying to break records. And given his physical state, and how long his career would need to be to do those things, it's certainly not worth it in my eyes.

No sport is worth that sort of existence after the fact.

As a Red Wings fan, I hate to see him go out this way.

Oh yeah, and this...

toetag: He is the Manning of the NHL....

But no matter my dislike for him or the Ovie / Crosby rivalry, i hate seeing such a skilled player go out like this.

Too bad karma got the wrong guy. "Model citizen" Matt Cooke is still playing and Crosby, like Savard, may never return. Its a little infuriating that the league really didn't offer much in the way of rule changes/player protection for headshots until Crosby got hurt.

I don't think it's time for Sid to call it quits yet. Mario Lemieux was away from the game for 3-4 years - granted that was later in his career than where Crosby's at now, just saying that it's been done before.

Jubeebee: Who is Bettman going to pitch next year? The Sedins are on the wrong side of 30 and have only one set of DNA between them. Toews smiles twice a year if he's really happy. Giroux has a French name and plays for the Flyers; he might make a good heel. Malkin talks like a Wookie.There aren't many options.

Steven Stamkos would likely merit some consideration there - Canadian, potential 50 goal scorer, and not many people hate the Lightning once you take the Panthers' fan out of the equation.

Trip Downward: I don't think it's time for Sid to call it quits yet. Mario Lemieux was away from the game for 3-4 years - granted that was later in his career than where Crosby's at now, just saying that it's been done before.

Jubeebee: Who is Bettman going to pitch next year? The Sedins are on the wrong side of 30 and have only one set of DNA between them. Toews smiles twice a year if he's really happy. Giroux has a French name and plays for the Flyers; he might make a good heel. Malkin talks like a Wookie.There aren't many options.

Steven Stamkos would likely merit some consideration there - Canadian, potential 50 goal scorer, and not many people hate the Lightning once you take the Panthers' fan out of the equation.

Seguin.

I don't think we've seen the last of Crosby.

Remember Bergeron in 2007. He was thrown head-first into the end boards during the pre-season. I was watching that game, and seriously thought he was dead for a few minutes. He sat out for a year, then came back and got concussed again, almost an identical timeline to Crosby's injuries.

Crosby will be back, but he needs to spend a year completely away from the game to recover.

Should not quit.

"Crosby would be far better off quitting the game and becoming the chief spokesperson for concussions and speaking out against head shots in the game," said the doctor.

Blatant cheapshots make up only a very small percentage of not only concussions, but any injuries sustained on the ice. No one wants to watch an NHL dominated by the neutral-zone trap where you can also ride someone like a donkey up and down the ice, but the league whored itself completely in the opposite direction to make a game that is played, today, at warped f*cking speed on a small rink by international standards. Entertaining, yes, but dangerous.

Curb it back a little...either bring back the red line and/or institute no touch icing. The unbridled speed of the game with the news rules is a much bigger culprit that Asshole McFourthliner using his 1:30 of total ice to go after Speedy McRussianSniper in some misguided fit of rage.

Killer Cars: news rules is a much bigger culprit that than

Derp. I type like a 4th-line goon.

Wettner: I think the NHL needs to get in the front of the concussion issue

They're already doing that this season. It's why 874 players are currently sitting out with concussion symptoms. But, yeah, they need to mandate the special helmets and look into softening the "armor" pads.

Dougie AXP: Two Stanley Cups
A few league MVPs (if I remember correctly)
Stanley Cup MVP (if I remember correctly)
An Olympic Gold medal
Beloved in Canada and Pittsburgh
A great ambassador for the game

Admitting you're a Flyers fan makes me wonder if you're trying to make Philly look bad. He's won one Cup, one Hart, no Smythes.

TJWitz: I'd really love for the media to give up on this story until there's a real development in it.

There was a real development - his broken neck. Which makes this article seem strange, as that is potentially good news, as now they have a clue as to what may actually be wrong with him and why his recovery has been so tough.

Angry Drunk Bureaucrat: Starry Heavens: The kid's seriously hurt. He often isn't even allowed to skate, much less practice, or, God forbid, play. He seems like a nice guy and he's really well beloved. I don't know if he's still living with Mario Lemieux, but either way, I am absolutely certain that he has plenty of connections to help him get on his feet in a life away from hockey.

I like watching him play and I'd hate to see him go, but I'd hate even more for him to get himself killed over a game.

Unfortunately for the Penguins, he's a real suck on the budget if he's not playing. He's been out almost a year now and while it would be great to keep him, if he's really that hurt he should probably be cut so they can bring in someone else to help shore up that first line.

Don't professional sports teams usually have insurance contracts on player contracts for these types of catastrophic injuries so they get pocketbook relief?

Dougie AXP: Two Stanley Cups
A few league MVPs (if I remember correctly)
Stanley Cup MVP (if I remember correctly)
An Olympic Gold medal
Beloved in Canada and Pittsburgh
A great ambassador for the game

What exactly does he need to prove anymore?

The best things for a concussion is rest and time. I'm sure the league can find something for him to do. And then in the future if he feels better and is clear let him have at it.

I means he's only 24!

Rest it kid.

/and I'm a dirty Flyers fan

Well, he won't be considered with Gretzky or Howe, that's for sure

jdog71: Trip Downward: I don't think it's time for Sid to call it quits yet. Mario Lemieux was away from the game for 3-4 years - granted that was later in his career than where Crosby's at now, just saying that it's been done before.

Jubeebee: Who is Bettman going to pitch next year? The Sedins are on the wrong side of 30 and have only one set of DNA between them. Toews smiles twice a year if he's really happy. Giroux has a French name and plays for the Flyers; he might make a good heel. Malkin talks like a Wookie.There aren't many options.

Steven Stamkos would likely merit some consideration there - Canadian, potential 50 goal scorer, and not many people hate the Lightning once you take the Panthers' fan out of the equation.

Seguin.


Seguin is a fantastic talent (and way ahead of 'schedule'), but as long as Kessel is in T.O., their media (which does a lot to drive the N.A. hockey media) won't want to hype him unless it's as 'Kessel, and to a lesser extent, Seguin, are the best goal scorers in the league', which will never happen.

I agree with russlar, in that Crosby needs to pull a Patrice, and get himself fully healthy, and then lead his team to a Cup win over, say, the 'Hawks.

swahnhennessy: Wettner: I think the NHL needs to get in the front of the concussion issue

They're already doing that this season. It's why 874 players are currently sitting out with concussion symptoms. But, yeah, they need to mandate the special helmets and look into softening the "armor" pads.

I meant more, especially the helmets issue. If the NFL can limit concussions, the NHL should be able to. I don't care about the "old school" or "how I learned how to play hockey." If an oversized football helmet will keep them from getting concussions, then I am all for it.

/note that is an exaggeration, but the helmets really need to be designed better and with greater support/cushion.
//or our brains need more fluid around it.
///whatever is easier to solve

GAT_00: Doesn't he have post-concussion syndrome and neck injuries now? I'd say stop before you end up in a coma.

I agree. The Krejci hit was hard but not something that would be unexpected in a normal hockey game. It caused a second concussion. His tolerance is even lower now. If he doesn't retire now then he should take it REAL slow before trying to return again.

I just hope that the cheap shots stop against Jeff Skinner now that he's missed a month in his second year.

bhcompy: Don't professional sports teams usually have insurance contracts on player contracts for these types of catastrophic injuries so they get pocketbook relief?

Probably for cap space, but guaranteed money is guaranteed.

Good. Take Malkin's cheap shotting ass with you to.

Loomy:
Seguin is a fantastic talent (and way ahead of 'schedule'), but as long as Kessel is in T.O., their media (which does a lot to drive the N.A. hockey media) won't want to hype him unless it's as 'Kessel, and to a lesser extent, Seguin, are the best goal scorers in the league', which will never happen.

I agree with russlar, in that Crosby needs to pull a Patrice, and get himself fully healthy, and then lead his team to a Cup win over, say, the 'Hawks.

I'd actually prefer that Seguin stay relatively low key (or as low key as one can be after winning a cup) because it will give him time to perfect his game, which is improving on an almost nightly basis. Kids got some good teachers and structure around him right now...no need for unnecessary distractions. Crosby has handled himself well as the 'best player in the league' over the years. Not everyone is cut out for that kind of pressure (ie: Kessel).

/Thank you Kesssssel..clap clap clapclapclap

Jubeebee: Kessel is having a breakout year for sure, but he's cooled off lately.

Kessel's always been streaky. How good his year turns out to be will likely depend on if he hits another streak or two somewhere in the 2nd half, and/or if Lupul also having a career year can help keep him balanced between streaks. They've been feeding off each other, with Kessel boosting Lupul early on and now Lupul boosting Kessel. It'll be interesting to watch what happens. Hopefully not smoking catastrophe of them both bottoming out interesting.

merkey88: Probably for cap space, but guaranteed money is guaranteed.

It may depend on the sport, but in most leagues there seems to be insurance covering a portion of everything aside from signing bonus $$. I don't remember how much exactly, but most of Brandon Roy's remaining salary on his deal is being covered by insurance.

/it's not wrong to reference something with the NBA in an NHL thread, is it?

FreakinB: merkey88: bhcompy: Don't professional sports teams usually have insurance contracts on player contracts for these types of catastrophic injuries so they get pocketbook relief?

Probably for cap space, but guaranteed money is guaranteed.

Yeah, but IIRC in a lot of cases they'll still have an insurance policy to cover all or part the player's salary just in case something like this happens. I couldn't possibly give you any detail but I do remember hearing that something like that exists.

It was reported that Portland got a lot of money from insurance when Brandon Roy retired for medical reasons. If they just cut him they would be liable for the rest of the contract.

Jubeebee: Loomy: Seguin is a fantastic talent (and way ahead of 'schedule'), but as long as Kessel is in T.O., their media (which does a lot to drive the N.A. hockey media) won't want to hype him unless it's as 'Kessel, and to a lesser extent, Seguin, are the best goal scorers in the league', which will never happen.

Toronto media is not all that bright if they are pitching that. Stamkos took over that title from Ovechkin pretty seemlessly last year, and doesn't look to be letting go of it anytime soon.

Kessel is having a breakout year for sure, but he's cooled off lately.


Hey, no one ever accused the Toronto hockey media of being bright. I guess my point was not so much whether those two might be the best, but that Kessel and Seguin (and Dougie Hamilton, come next season) are forever linked. Given that the Leafs (MLSE) are now co-owned by Rogers and Bell Media, who also happen to control the 2 major sports media outlets (TSN [read: ESPN for Canadians] and SportsNet), as well as provide TV/Internet service to the majority of Canadians, I don't foresee a situation where they'll tout Seguin's accomplishments (especially if they eclipse Kessel's) as much as they would were they not once traded for one another.

So, basically, for Seguin to become the heir to Crosby's throne in Canadian-/T.O.-media, he'll have to break through that White-and-Blue-tinted glass ceiling.