Blue Jackets draft pick Stefan Legein hanging up skates at 19
2008-08-20 01:10:00
Stefan Legein, the Columbus Blue Jackets second-round pick in the 2007 NHL entry draft, has decided to quit hockey.
Legein's agent, Doug Woods, informed the Blue Jackets that the 19-year-old right winger will not report to training camp next month and is retiring, according to a report in the Columbus Dispatch. Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson confirmed the news to the Dispatch late Tuesday night.
Legein, a native of Oakville, Ont., was an all-star with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League last season, scoring 24 goals and adding 13 assists with 80 penalty minutes in 30 games. He also helped Canada win its fourth straight gold medal at the world junior championship.
Jake Cooper (Posted 2009-01-05 17:50:11)
I attended high school with this "kid" and he has never taken anybody or anything seriously, rather, he would trample on anyone to get what he wants. He always teamed up on the vulnerable, and at that I believe he is more of a jagged edge towards any Hockey Team which places his name on a roster.
Cheers to you Stefan Legein
Bob Allisat (Posted 2008-09-14 14:01:42)
Wow - he must really be thrilled at the prospect of playing in Columbus! Retiring at 19! Wouldn't an easier way to instantly ruin a hockey career been to just refuse to report? Or to start bedwetting? Wonder what the real story behind this wierd story actually is? After fighting to make it this far a kid quits. Must be some interesting stuffs going on behind the scenes.
Flyerfan52 (Posted 2008-08-22 23:23:06)
Seb and Desmond, good posts! We don't know why he did it but if he's turning down a lot of money over the next few years, he's probably got a good reason. If he decides to disclose it is up to him. I liked watching him play with the WJs but can't presume to know his life. Newsflash: Money isn't everything.
Desmond McKilligan (Posted 2008-08-22 20:09:45)
Good for him. There are dozens of extremely talented people who chose not to act, sing, play hockey etc even though they could have been in the upper echelon. The average Joe (with no skills) has a hard time getting his head around someone walking away from fame and fortune. I admire this kid. Besides, next year he may get back into it. He is only 19 after all.
Seb (Posted 2008-08-22 19:00:21)
What if Legein played for fun and never wanted to get into pro hockey? but also was lucky enough to have talent and lots of potential... When a 6th-7th round decides to retire at 19-20 nobody cares. But because Legein played in the world juniors and is a second round pick it becomes unthinkable to retire so young. Some say its drugs, some say injuries and others say he's scared cause hes a slacker! Its just speculation. Well just have to wait for him to tell.
Gerry Hartman (Posted 2008-08-22 16:25:25)
" HockeyGuy - 2008-08-21 09:19:02 ET
And somehow Ken Campbell will make it out to be Dave Branch's fault."
Isn't everything Dave Branch's fault? ;)
Seriously; I've admired watching Legein as a player both in the OHL and for Team Canada. I personally don't care whether this young man has a serious drug problem, or health issue, or whatever; it isn't for me to decide.
He has simply decided he doesn't want to play pro hockey, and that's it.
Speculate about the reasons, and ridicule him for throwing away millions (potential salary), all you want. I'm sure we will never know the entire story or the real reason for his decision. It is after all, his life and he is free to choose what he wants to do with it.
I'm a fan of the game and quite a few players; but, I would never presume to put myself in their place or speculate on their lives. I've never played Junior A, or Pro hockey and until I read the latest issue of THN, (article on Pat Kane), I really didn't know how lengthy the commitment is for a player to make it to the show.
All things considered, I am glad I got to see Stefan Legein play hockey and I wish him well in whatever he decides to do with his life.
T.Roy (Posted 2008-08-22 16:11:36)
The NHL caused him to hang them up. I'm sure Columbus had something to do with it. I'm a die hard Red Wings fan. 4 Cups in 10 playing seasons, but this game is getting outright Bentmann out of shape. What has this idiot done to make this a better game. I've been going to games since the early 70's, when hockey was a real hard nose, in, clutch, grab phyical,in your face game. Then the Great One (ha,ha) came, Mario came, the next One came, and two referees can't do the job one did just fine. Don't get me wrong I enjoy watching Pavel dance and Henrik score those sweet goals. I don't think these are all reasons Legein not playing, but I hope you get my point, because the refs never will.
One Life to Live (Posted 2008-08-22 15:36:27)
Stefan Legein has a talent that many people would die for in life. I don't know if drugs or any other substance abuse has caused Legein to not want to play the game, but this is sad news. I don't think he is really looking at the big picture here. He will regret this decision down the road let me tell you. I regret a lot of decisions that I made earlier in my life and I am only 20. I've dealt with substance abuse issues and they will try to kill your life. I think Stefan Legein should get good advice before giving up on the possibility of millions of dollars and a shot at the Stanley Cup. Also with all that money Stefan can do a lot of great things outside the game of hockey. God Given Talent should not be wasted!!!!!!!!! Get professional help if you need to turn your life around.
justin (Posted 2008-08-22 15:31:33)
most people probably don't take into account that a hockey season goes from october to june or so, i mean like columbus would play much into the post season haha, but still there is the chance the season could last some 8-10 months not including training and conditioning and junior hockey championships and olympics and everything else. For some people it is possible that you just get burnt out playing your whole life then have to dedicate everything to playing for the next 15 years plus. Sometimes people just dont want to do it. they get paid a lot to do a lot. maybe he doesn't need columbus, the stresss, the physical demand, the dedication and so on. does that make him a bad person or bi polar in the least bit.
Jason Zimmermann (Posted 2008-08-22 15:13:28)
Like everyone else, I don't know the facts behind Stefan Legien quittying hockey. I'm not a doctor, and I think it's unfair to say he's bi-polar or pin any other medical issue on him. I'm actually going to give the guy credit. If you don't want to play, don't play. There's absolutely no sense in doing something that you don't want to do. To force people into situations doesn't make any sense, either. Alexandre Daigle went through the motions. Yes, he made money out of the deal, but he is the unanimous choice for "biggest bust ever". I'm reading some people suggesting that Legien is the result of a father's vicarious dream. Sure, that's possible, and I am inclined to believe that. Though, I don't know if it's true or not, in Legien's case; I have heard the same thing about Daigle. In closing, if Legien is quitting because he truly doesn't want to play, I have a lot of respect for him. If his Dad is trying to pressure him and his Dad tells him about all the money he's walking away from and Legien still doesn't want to play, I have more respect for Stefan, still. That's standing up and being a man.
justin (Posted 2008-08-22 14:45:34)
Lindros was drafted by the greyhounds by phil esposito even after phil knew lindros didn't want to play there. Esposito did it so he could sell his share of the team for more money.....
Flyer guy 16 (Posted 2008-08-22 12:56:38)
It's pretty unfair to throw something like that out because "you heard it"
Doug BUchan (Posted 2008-08-22 12:04:36)
I heard that it was a drug problem and that he didnt want to get caught at traning camp with drugs so he quit
Flyer guy 16 (Posted 2008-08-21 23:47:33)
Lindros refused to play for the Sault. because at the time he said it was too far from home.I'm sure he'll be ridiculed for that but when you see some of the things that go on in junior hockey(David Snow,Grahame James,hazing,sex,drug,rocknroll,)it's not so crazy.What he did with Quebec was refuse to play for a team on the cusp of greatness and ended up on a team that had missed the playoffs 5 years in a row and had gutted their team to trade for him.So by your definition of a great player,that would be Lindros.
stilts (Posted 2008-08-21 16:39:15)
Flyer Guy, you might have a point about Lindros not going to Quebec because of the "dirt bag" owner. BUT, how do you explain Lindros refusing to go to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds after being drafted? There are a lot of great players that are taken by the worst teams. That's part of being a high draft pick. I've never heard of a guy refuse to go to 2 teams in his career. It's very easy to be a winner when you get put on a great team with great players. Your an even greater player when you go to a crap team and work to turn them around. Stamkos did that with Sarnia. LINDROS IS AND ALWAYS BE A PUNK FOR DOING THAT!
HockeyGuy (Posted 2008-08-21 09:19:02)
And somehow Ken Campbell will make it out to be Dave Branch's fault.
pjamas (Posted 2008-08-21 01:16:59)
I can't believe this kid is hangin up his skates. I thought in the WJC this year he was the guy who was most excited to be there and enjoyed the experience the most. When he got injured in the tourney (dislocated shoulder), I felt so bad for the misfortune that happened to him. I hope he does look over the situation and think that some team he will become an asset to.
Flyer guy 16 (Posted 2008-08-20 17:23:38)
Venci, you're right, I'm hoping he makes the team this year. I have heard talk of a "french connection" line with him, Briere, and Gagne.
A.Kovalev (Posted 2008-08-20 17:12:41)
If,and this is a big if,the young man has mental health issues as suggested by some,I sincerely hope he gets proper treatment and is able to resume his career at some point in the near future.This is all speculation at this time,but here's to wishing the young fellow all the best.
Venci (Posted 2008-08-20 15:19:48)
Flyer guy 16, I imagine you can't wait to see Claude Giroux (Legein's ex-linemate from WJ team) play for us this year. Expect BIG things from him and our beloved FlyBoys-Go Philly- watchout Pens.
Seb (Posted 2008-08-20 15:06:43)
Legein is a small guy but I had big expectations. Im disapointed for all small guys in the NHL! But curious to know why he actually quit. He probably lost his passion for the game after a few years of being bombarded with high expectations, training camps, development camps and competitions...Blake Wheeler is at best a good 3rd liner. He's good...but not overly talented. Might become a 50 point guy down the road thanx to his size. The problem with Wheeler is he thinks he's better and worth more than he actually is.
Flyer guy 16 (Posted 2008-08-20 14:41:01)
John Case, I can't believe I'm about to defend Lindros but I believe him when he says his only issue with the Nords was the owner of the team. Aubut was a dirtbag owner who decided when Lindros was 15 that he was going to get him, no matter what. Look at the personnel decisions they made in the final part of the season before they drafted him. TANK the season to get the pick. Then they trade him to two teams. I think Lindros would have played in Quebec if they hadn't insisted on a 10 year term. At this point it's pretty boring stuff though. How many players can actually decide they'd rather sit than play in the NHL? One every 5-10 years maybe.
stilts (Posted 2008-08-20 14:10:45)
Mike, I think you're right about the dad living his NHL dreams through his kid. This screams of an overbearing dad that has pressured that kid his whole career. The kid is now an adult and finally stood up to his dad and said "NO". It has NOTHING to do with Columbus. As far as that punk Lindros... his loud mouthed, overbearing dad ruined that guys reputation, and probably his career. Refusing to report to not only the NHL team that drafted him but ALSO his OHL team that drafted him. He will forever be a punk because of that. All from an overbearing dad...
Venci Williams (Posted 2008-08-20 13:48:54)
This has all the signs of an internal family rift or personality disorder. The fact that Stefan would announce retirement to simply opt out of playing in Columbus is inaccurate. No agent would let his client proceed this way & no other NHL team would brush it off should he try to re-enter the draft. Because his parents seemed to be blind-sided, this points to a very serious concern regarding his mental health, almost depression or bi-polaresque in appearance. That can go undetected for decades and is very difficult to diagnose (studied it as it's in my family). His talent is definitely not an issue-he's as good as any Canadian junior today. He was outstanding in the World Juniors last Xmas & with the Ice Dogs. We'll see from here.
Mike (Posted 2008-08-20 11:33:36)
The guy is small at 5'9" and plays a physical, feisty game. He's projected to be a 3rd liner, 2nd liner at best in the NHL. Maybe the kid doesn't want to get his face pounded in every night. I'd die for a chance to play pro hockey my entire life and my guess is he'll come back after some time off. But I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with injuries, the kid just doesn't have the drive. If you read the comments his father has made denying this its pretty obvious the father has his own agenda and is trying to force the boy to do his will. Who can blame him though, the kid is throwing any a lot of money.
Jeff (Posted 2008-08-20 11:31:33)
Rob M... why would there be compensation? Teams know when they draft a player the chances of them making it to the NHL are always slim. I guess if Columbus gets compensation, the rest of the teams should ask for compensation draft choices for every player that failed to live up to expectations lol
Sounds like this kid has more issues than the press is talking about. Hopefully he can get everything hes going through sorted out.
Rob M (Posted 2008-08-20 11:03:54)
Sucks for Columbus, that's a wasted draft pick, the player or the league should have to compensate Columbus for that. The draft is an opportunity for teams to improve with young talent, pulling something like this is unfair to the team.
whit16 (Posted 2008-08-20 10:52:54)
Just being drafted by Columbus doent make you "retire". There are clearly other issues that we dont know of yet. He could have forced a trade or went another route to avoid Columbus. Listen I'm sure Columbus isnt a first pick for anyone wanting to get drafted and play but its still the NHL and youve prob got a better shot to play there then most NHL teams....
STEVE (Posted 2008-08-20 10:42:43)
It was not the case with Blake Wheeler not wanting anything to do with Phoenix. Blake Wheeler would not of made the big team and did not want to go tothe AHL. In Boston they will waste a good spot to give him a chance. Blake wheeler has no loyality and it will be fun to watch him fail in the big league.
McCann (Posted 2008-08-20 09:57:25)
Deffinately disappointed by this news. Enjoyed watching him in the Juniors last year and was looking forward to seeing him play with the Jackets.
It's hard to say at this point what the reasons behind the final decision were, but either way it's disappointing. You hate to see a kid lose their passion for the game. If it was due to injury, again a disappointment as it's to some extent out of their hands.
best of luck in whatever path he chooses to take.
JohnCase (Posted 2008-08-20 09:40:51)
I'm fairly certain he wouldn't quit hockey to avoid Columbus. He would have just Eric Lindrossed them. Is it really that hard to believe that after spending his whole young life in the grind he just decided that pro-hockey is not what he wants anymore?
P.S. Columbus will finish between 7-10th in the west this year. They weren't that bad last year and they've strengthened some of there weak spots.
Fred (Posted 2008-08-20 09:40:07)
Paul, you must have seen a different 1st round pick than I did.
Legein is a trouble kid I wish him the best and pray that this is not due to an illness.
Seb (Posted 2008-08-20 09:21:24)
Sometimes you've got the talent but not the passion. Maybe Legein didnt want to waste the Jacket's time, efforts and ressources on him like Ottawa did on Alexandre Daigle. Or maybe Legein wants nothin to do with Columbus either, an average to mediocre team at best with no direction and no playoffs forcast in the near future...the only upside in Colombus is Rick Nash! He'll wait a couple years and come back with another team, look at Blake Wheeler who wanted nothing to do with Phoenix and prefered to sign with Boston. He'll be back in a year or 2.
Paul (Posted 2008-08-20 09:01:37)
I was transplanted to Cowtown almost 16 years ago, and the first thought I had was cosistent with the posts. Funny thing is, the Jacket's 1st round pick that year, when the draft was at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, the scoreboard camera showed that kid's mom crying her eyes out in the stands after the Jackets took him, and they were not tears of joy, she was really, really sad!
Web (Posted 2008-08-20 08:50:16)
We obviously don't know what personal issues this young man has.He's not the first talented player to walk away from the game and pressures of pro hockey and won't be the last.Let's just hope whether he comes back to hockey or not that he resolves any issues and has a good life in the future.
scott (Posted 2008-08-20 08:50:04)
...because he realized he'd have to play hockey in Columbus, Ohio. Sick hockey town, Bettman.
Jessie (Posted 2008-08-20 06:56:47)
The kids parents knew nothing of this decision. This is likely a kid who didn't put any work in over the summer, camp is coming and now he is freaking out knowing that he isn't ready. He may have lost his passion for the game and doesn't want to work that hard. My bet is that he takes a few months away, clears his head, and then decides he wants to come back. Dan Ryder (Michael's brother in the Calgary system) did the exact same thing last year. He is back.
P.S. Filitov is doing everything he can to come over and play for the jackets. Apparently Legein had to be coaxed into playing for team Canada last winter as well. This is a 'Legein' thing and nothing to do with the Jackets.
Patrick (Posted 2008-08-20 04:59:25)
"Some players would do anything to not play for columbus lol jk"
Sorry to all Columbus fans, but this is first thought I had when I read this news.
Dman (Posted 2008-08-20 02:21:39)
He's not retiring, he's quitting.
Scotty Dawg (Posted 2008-08-20 01:35:39)
Why in the world would he be retiring? There is clearly more to this story then what is being told...
dave (Posted 2008-08-20 01:27:20)
wow this is a huge shock! I watched him go thru draft day. Some players would do anything to not play for columbus lol jk. I wonder why he is retiring? My guess is injuries.
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