THN.com Blog: Don't vilify Stefan Legein for stepping away
Stefan Legein appears poised to give up his hockey career at age 19. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
Adam Proteau
2008-08-20 11:53:09
The news out of Columbus late Tuesday – namely, that Stefan Legein, the Blue Jackets’ second round pick (37th overall) in 2007, was abruptly retiring at age 19 – left the team’s fans and management in a fair amount of shock.
I hope the young man isn’t vilified for his decision. Who among us hasn’t had doubts in our late teens (or for that matter, well beyond that age) about our direction in life? Legein’s biggest problem is he has been in a line of work that receives so much publicity and adulation most casual observers assume he should be down on his hands and knees in gratitude for the opportunities he’s been afforded.
That attitude has some degree of validity. At the same time, though, nobody knows what led this kid to his decision. There was also no guarantee he would’ve evolved into a full-time NHLer, especially with his modest size – he’s listed at 5-foot-10, which means he’s likely an inch or two shorter than that – and in the end, he’s the one who has to live with the ramifications of his choices, the same way we all do.
Furthermore, if I were an NHL GM, I’d rather have one of my players throw in the towel at Legein’s stage of development than deal with someone like Ray Emery, who signed a multi-million dollar contract in Ottawa before coming to the conclusion last season he just wasn’t into all that practicing-hard-and-showing-up-on-time business.
My best wishes go out to Legein, regardless of his lot in life. It couldn’t have been an easy choice – and the last thing he needs right now is thousands of second-guessers dressing him down for it.
Related Links
• The other intriguing angle to this story is the way in which the news was broken: by a Blue Jackets blogger who received an anonymous tip and forwarded it on to intrepid Columbus Dispatch reporter (and THN correspondent) Aaron Portzline, who confirmed the news with team officials.
There’s still a sizeable chasm between the hockey media establishment and bloggers, but I’m guessing that gap will shrink in the coming years. As long as both sides are on the same page in terms of accuracy and accountability, there’s room for everybody.
Indeed, at a time when the NHL has trouble selling itself to traditional media, nobody in the hockey business should be especially picky as to who piques fans’ interest in all aspects of the game.
Adam Proteau is The Hockey News' online columnist and a regular contributor to THN.com. His blog appears Mondays and Wednesdays, his Ask Adam feature appears Tuesdays in the summer, and his column, Screen Shots, appears Thursdays.
For more great profiles, news and views from the world of hockey, Subscribe to The Hockey News magazine.
Samantha (Posted 2008-08-27 09:25:50)
Well, it's awfully hard to judge this young man without knowing the true story. And sorry guys, NONE of you who have left a comment here know that story (as much as some of you think you do because you've read a few blogs - yea, blogs are the new bible of the gossip queens). Whichever way he decides to go, I hope he, at the very least, keeps his options open. Perhaps he could play on a Canadian university team while getting an education for a few years - the pressure of university play (and quality) isn't up to CHL standards, but maybe that's what he needs, you know, to play more for fun and himself rather than large crowds and scouts. Heck, at his age taking a year off hockey alltogether wouldn't hurt him too badly if he decides to come back to the game. Either way, I hope he takes the time to do what is right for himself and his future, whatever that may be.
Shawn (Posted 2008-08-26 22:59:28)
Jim Reinecke, good reply. It did make me second guess my opinions concerning Legein for a moment but I ultimately don't agree. I do feel this kid gave no thought to this what-so-ever. It angers me that someone with such a talent could dismissively toss it aside to "pursue something else" without any accountability for the position he's in.
Jessie (Posted 2008-08-23 09:02:53)
See little Zuri, that is where you are wrong AGAIN...I do know the facts. Now get off your freakin' soap box and stop trying to make the 'holier than thou' posts about the kids marvelous intentions. He fell in love, got lazy, and created a crap storm that both he and his agent GROSSLY mishandled. Like I stated earlier, read some of the quotes from his agent in the Columbus Dispatch's blog before you go on about how noble the kid has been. I haven't once dumped on him I have only laid out the situation as it unfolded. When you aren't putting the noble, pie-in-the-sky spin on things, it doesn't sound very good does it. Problem is, it is all true. If he is burnt out or got lazy, fine. Legein not playing for the Jackets or in the league isn't going to affect either party AT ALL. I don't care if he plays or doesn't play. Just handle the situation like a man instead of the spoiled, coddled kid that he has been, and quit trying to spin it into something it isn't. It was only in June (prospect camp) that he was talking about being with his future teammates and how he was going to grow with them, etc. The whole: 'he has decided to do other things' is such a crock. He didn't work out all summer, camp is right around the corner and he isn't ready so he quit. PERIOD. It is nothing more and nothing less than that.
Little Zur (Posted 2008-08-23 08:05:12)
When I made the comment in my earlier post below: "So don't be so quick to judge someone for walking away from a career choice just because it isn't something that you would necessarily do and for reasons that you don't have a clue as to why this young man has done it" - it was directed at those posters who are so quick to condemn the decision by Legien to walk away from hockey as a No 2 draft choice when they do not know the facts or more importantly, the reasons behind this kids decision. The poster Jessie was just one of those who this message was intended for since he has three messages in which he dumps all over the kid. He doesn't know this kid or what makes him tick just that Legein's decision really seems to have pissed him off. So perhaps he is a frustrated hockey player wannabe who never got selected and can't understand why anybody who was and who has the obvious skill to get drafted in the second round and play on a gold medal winning world junior team would walk away from the game - even temporarily. My original post in reference to Patrick Tillman who was indeed a hero and to Ali was to point out that these two star individuals made decisions that no one today would dare question whereas at the time I'm sure there were posters like Jessie who would be doing the same as he has demonstrated here - a dump job. No where did I say that Legein is a "hero" in the same vein as Tillman. But again, until you know all the facts ease up on the kid.
Chris (Posted 2008-08-22 21:34:22)
Wow some people are making way too many assumptions about this guy... I have no idea his motives but they are right for him at this point in time and he doesn't have to play hockey if he doesn't want to. Believe it or not people, money isn't the most important thing. Also Mr. Proteau, I am glad you are not an NHL GM, because I think most GMs would rather take Ray Emery and a trip to the Finals instead of a wasted draft pick (which really is what he is if he quits, but again, its Legein's decision and he has every right to do it). Also, to the Preds & Habs debate, Canadian fans need to cut it out, Nashville is a lot, lot safer than teams like Atlanta & Florida are, because at least Nashville can put out a competitive team. Nashville will probably last a while... (by the way I would have loved them to come to Kitchener-Waterloo, my own stomping grounds)
One Life To Live (Posted 2008-08-22 15:20:23)
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.
Jim Reinecke (Posted 2008-08-22 10:37:59)
Little Zuri: Thanks for an intelligent, compassionate and well-reasoned post! Such a rarity around here. Adam's a terrific writer but when I see the majority of the responses to his blogs and columns I can't help but think of the old saying about casting pearls before swine.
triguy (Posted 2008-08-22 09:34:37)
What's the deal with every photo is a someone holding their stick in the face of the camera as if a slash to the face is coming?!
Jessie (Posted 2008-08-22 08:31:47)
Comparing Legein to what Patrick Tillman did? What a disgrace. That man is a hero, Legein is a kid who was too lazy to prepare for training camp. Legein was asked to join the Syracuse Crunch (jackets affiliate) for the playoffs last year so he could be around his new teammates and gain some experience. He was sent home--he told the media that he wanted to go home to train. He went to prospect camp in marginal shape. Rookie camp starts on the 12th and he is not ready to play, now citing burnout. Burnout from what? He hasn't done anything more than what a ton of other kids his age have done. In fact, possibly a bit less than some. His jr. team didn't go to the finals at the Memorial Cup did they? If he is burnt out of his jr. career, this kid is toast. Things haven't even gotten hard yet and it is already too much for him. The kid is looking for an excuse and found one that most people will accept. Burnout. He has had all summer to re-energize, but somehow he is still burnt out. Right.
Charlie C (Posted 2008-08-22 07:47:54)
Patrick Tillman was in the US Army and he was killed in Afghanistan, if anyone cares about details.
Little Zuri (Posted 2008-08-22 07:17:06)
To those readers who are condeming this young draft pick for walking away without knowing the reasons or the full story, would you be doing the same in the case of Patrick Tillman who was already a proven young star with the St Louis Cardinals who walked away from a multi-million dollar offer to join the U.S. marines with is brother and who subsequently was killed by friendly-fire in Iraq? Or what about one of the greatest all-time athletes, Muhammad Ali, or Cassius Clay as he was known at the time, for refusing to join the US military and being forced to walk away from his professional boxing career during his prime for his religious beliefs? So don't be so quick to judge someone for walking away from a career choice just because it isn't something that you would necessarily do and for reasons that you don't have a clue as to why this young man has done it.
Ed Rolanty (Posted 2008-08-22 05:03:06)
Many people have maligned Legein for taking a roster spot from someone who wanted a career or wanted to play. Don't you think if someone wanted a career they would have found a way to make one of the more than a hundred junior teams in North America? Or one of the dozens of college teams? Or one of the dozens of low-level minor league teams? You can't have much drive or ambition if one player can prevent you from living your dream.
Bart Wentink (Posted 2008-08-21 23:01:49)
GoPreds,
Yes, your fan base is very loud and loyal, just like the Houston Aeros' fan base. We make more noise with 6000 of us that a whole arena full of Houston Rockets fans. Trouble is, there aren't enough of us to support an NHL franchise in America's 4th largest city. Just like Nashville in that respect, too.
Martin's E-ratt, QC and Winnipeg had fan support Nashville could only dream of. Those teams were done in by economics, namely a weak Canadian dollar made it impossible to compete salary-wise.
As to Legein: His life, his choice. No one can make his choices for him.
Rob McDonald (Posted 2008-08-21 19:00:02)
I certainly wouldn't want to villify a young man for the choices he makes...it's his life after all but.....the other side of the coin is 1) how he took the spots in lineups from kids who actually wanted a career 2) the classic line from Good Will Hunting.."your sitting on a lottery ticket and your too chicken s**t to cash it"....hmmmm
Jessie (Posted 2008-08-21 18:12:27)
Wake up people! This isn't about Legein 'wanting to pursue other things', or college, or having his heart set in a different direction. This is a kid who doesn't want to do the things necessary to prepare himself properly. PERIOD!! His parents have been with him the entire way now he comes to a decision about quitting hockey without them knowing??? Does this seem like someone who has gone through the process of thoughtfully deciding to do something else??? Read some of the quotes in the 'puck-rackers' blog in the Columbus Dispatch. Nobody knows what this kid is doing other than partying and hanging out with some chick! The pie-in-the-sky-going-to-pursue-something-more-noble- is just a load.
Jim Reinecke (Posted 2008-08-21 15:34:57)
That should be "however measured OR far away". Sorry!
Jim Reinecke (Posted 2008-08-21 15:32:00)
To Shawn Daly: It never ceases to amaze me how boneheads like yourself seem dead set on proving to the world that testosterone backup causes serious brain damage. You're so hopelessly hung up on what you erroneously believe to be macho that you can't see that this young man has the courage to pursue his own path in life, making him. in my estimation, vastly more of a man than you! I'm sure that you're completely unfamaliar with Henry David Thoreau (since he never wrote for "Hustler" or "Maxim") but something he penned applies in this situation: "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music that he hears, however measured of far away". Try thinking about that before you engage what exists of your miniscule mind and start labelling people "pansy", simply because their vision of their own life differs from yours!
Pankie (Posted 2008-08-21 15:21:16)
pretty remarkable character considering the pros and cons he had to weigh in order to complete his decision. I for one don't know the whole story but bless his heart if he is following his heart in this matter. I am secure in life to not cast aspersions against any man who decides something which in his circle might be against the "norm". Maybe we'll hear his name again later in life which would be a story in itself(remember when this kid left hockey?). wouldn't it be great if his walking away from a sense of priviledge(to many of us) was for his own happiness. Hope all of his dreams come true!!! from ... a hockey player!
P.S. Haven't we seen enough drama with athletes who just can't seem to move on...Farve!
John Andereson (Posted 2008-08-21 14:23:49)
Don't crucify the kid for pursuing other interests!!! The trouble with this country is that hockey is the be all that end's all!!! The fans that think that this kid is a loser for stepping away are ignorant dumbasses, that are not pure hockey fans!!! These front-running bandwagon fans probably are the same fans that slammed Barry Sanders, and Justine Henin for retiring early in their pro careers to pursuit interests that would bring them total happiness and make their lives complete!!!
Dave-O (Posted 2008-08-21 09:36:37)
Isn't this article a little pre-mature? What is the reason? Let's find that out before we understand what it's like to be him.
Jessie (Posted 2008-08-21 09:08:31)
You also forgot to mention that he had no trouble taking $$ in the signing bonus before he decided to 'retire'. The Jackets have put a heck of a lot more into this kid than he has given back to him and they, if nobody else, deserve more than a random call from the agent with no explanation from him. If he is burnt out, fine, then say that and do so in a professional manner. The kid is being held accountable by an NHL team for the first time in his life, and clearly didn't care for it. Instead of responding accordingly, he decided to quit. You have to have a career of some sort before you can actually retire from it. This is nothing more than a spoiled kid throwing a tantrum.
Dave (Posted 2008-08-21 09:02:23)
He IS 19. That's alot young. I guarantee he's having a small crisis with doubts, concerning possible injuries, should I get an education?, what people close to him are recommending, and really, how many people have made mistakes in choosing what they want to do with their life between the ages of 16-20? You're too young and too inexperienced to know. I'm glad he's being careful. I to feel this won't be the last we'll hear of him...he just needs time to enjoy the last of his youth. BTW, I'm a Jackets fan, and I'd rather see the man make the right decision for himself. If he ended up regretting going with it under pressure, he wouldn't be able to perform on the ice. Stefan is no pansy, he's using his head.
Stinger (Posted 2008-08-21 08:33:54)
Only a classless Preds fans would say the BS i keep reading on this article. Its horrible that these turds have to represent those decent Preds fans. Here is the difference, Preds fans get embarrassed because their team hasn't done anything special. So what do they do? Talk trash about the less fortunate. Now, the Jackets haven't been the worst team in the league for the past few years but we have seen our fair share of misfortunes and how do we handle it? I haven't heard any of us bashing those who have been even less fortunate than us. Allow me.... Radulov left the premier league in the world for a second rate league maybe even third or fourth rate league. Whats that say about Nashville? I guess us in Columbus no how to be classy even through the not so good times....
Steve S. (Posted 2008-08-21 08:30:24)
As a Jackets fan, hate to see Stefan walk away from the game. I am one that hopes that with some time away from the game that he will later decide to return and work hard for a roster spot. If that doesn't happen than I wish him nothing but good luck in whatever endeavor that he decides to follow.
Shawn Daly (Posted 2008-08-21 08:14:29)
retire? at 19? He must absolutely despise the sport of hockey to be so sick of at the age of 19. And if he has such disdain for a sports that millions love, then he deserves all the scorn and criticism he can no longer shake a hockey stick at. Good Luck with your curling, pansy.
Matt (Posted 2008-08-21 02:06:55)
I think Jessie hit the nail right on the head with this guy...
Ian Altenbaugh (Posted 2008-08-21 01:35:31)
Adam,
I agree with your sentiment about bloggers. With many team beat writers having to keep blogs for the publications they work for already, the line blurs and only continue to get blurrier with time.
JimmyC (Posted 2008-08-21 01:27:24)
where did all these Preds fans come from, and why would anyone who knew anything about hockey think they should be taking anything a predators fan has to say seriously? am i wrong?
bill (Posted 2008-08-21 01:22:39)
why does everything neg about nhl always fall on nashvilles shoulders. so they have 1 idiott fan. this site is full of them from every team. this nash bashing is getting real tired. they have been 1 of the 5 best run teams in the last 10 years. look at what they have put on the ice with there budget and the stability within the organization. they had a owner who didnt have deep pockets and had to bail. pro sports teams in general are money loseing investments(nfl excluded) other than the value of the franchises go up from year to year. most teams lose money yearly in the nhl. salaries are ridiculous. leiopold lost nothing with the preds. he sold them for more than double what he paid. honestly hockey is as popular in nash as it is in 3/4 of the u.s. that being said, its way down on the totem pole in the states. but dont be fooled; nhl knows it needs more american fans because thats were all the untapped proffit potential is. hopefully the next teams given out will be in canada though. canada deserves them.
Flyerfan52 (Posted 2008-08-20 21:24:21)
Forgive me but didn't this get started with blog speculation? Like everything we're reading?
Matt F. (Posted 2008-08-20 21:12:41)
As a Jacket's fan (crucify me), I took note of Legein. Nothing was set in stone if he would make it to the NHL, but he was good enough to be a second-round pick (assuming he wasn't a draft bust). With all of that aside, I read where he had mass potential and modeled himself after Sean Avery (hate him or love him). It would've been nice to see an Avery-like player on the ice at Nationwide Arena, though Jared Boll will suffice. Whatever his reasoning, I wish him luck.
daniel (Posted 2008-08-20 19:21:26)
the only thing that comes from this story to me is that maybe he wants to go to college and get certain things in life straight. either that he wants to be like ricky williams of the dolphins and smoke a lot of weed and experiment with crack and do all kinds of drugs. if it were me, lace me up in some skates and let me make 60,000- 1 mil a year, that pay for a lot in life for years to come. i don't get this decision considering if you grew up playing hockey like me, your dream is to be at least to get the minor league contract and move up from there or play in the minors til your 26,27 and if they don't promote you then do the things you need to do in life after hockey. at 19 the kid has a long way to go. like i said though, if he wants to smoke weed and do drugs, let him. all jokes aside i wish him luck.
Jessie (Posted 2008-08-20 19:03:21)
Adam, gimme a break. Do you seriously think this kid made this 'decision' based on anything other than a whim? His parents didn't even know what was going on. They have been there every step of the way, and now he goes and packs it in without them knowing? Yeah...this 'retirement' is far from being finalized. His conditioning level was in question earlier in the summer and was told that he needed to improve in that area. The kid didn't put anything into it, knew he would get buried at camp, and decided to 'retire'. He will think twice when his buddies are getting back to their camps and getting their careers started while he is sitting at home playing xbox all day. My guess he will be at the jackets camp next season if he isn't working his ass off to get into shape before then.
Jim Reinecke (Posted 2008-08-20 17:47:47)
Very well written article, Adam (as usual). I share your best wishes for this young man as he begins a new phase of his life. It's kind of a shame that (as usual) the posts below have degenerated into the usual militant nationalist rubbish that seems to emanate from both sides of the 49th parallel with equal doses of mindlessness and false pride.
predsuck (Posted 2008-08-20 17:37:42)
sorry there Martin's E-ratt but just because i am a habs fan doesnt mean i am not canadian i think being south of the border gets you confused. now if you had said that quebecers dont want to be part of canada you would be closer to the fact but still way off . so here we go a little lesson for you a few times some of the french quebecers thought they would be better on their own so they voiced their opinion and it passed to vote and each and everytime it was decided that quebec would stay part of canada making it 6 canadian teams you ignorant american keep showing how smart you can be by talking about things that you cant understand ..... also just incase you thought differently in canada we dont live in igloos and ride polar bears to work..... preds suck and radulov is the smartest person on that team ....well i guess he doesnt really play there anymore does he
Flyerfan52 (Posted 2008-08-20 17:22:05)
Well said hockeyfan! Not everything has to be about the money. If you miss it later, you can play for recreation. Caz, most of what you said is right. Only thing you didn't mention was that this was Denver's second go-round. The Rockies were a typical expansion team and would have had to develop. The Avalanche were an almost there team when they moved from Quebec.
Caz (Posted 2008-08-20 17:04:32)
Attendance in the majority of US markets will never be great unless they have a marquee player and/or a winning team. All 6 Canadian teams have great fan support regardless of how their team is doing. Colorado was given a championship team in it's first season and were selling out but now they are average and the novelty has worn off and they aren't selling out. Even a traditional market like Boston has been in the bottom 5 in attendance the past few seasons because they don't have a Bobby Orr or Ray Bourque type player and a boring style of play(and probably because of the success of their 3 other teams). Washington and Chicago had terrible attendance but you can see the fan interest going up again now that they have marquee players and are starting to win. I've been a Pens fan for over 20 years and saw the fan support grow during the Lemieux era but then they had the worst attendance just before the lockout. Now that they have Crosby, Malkin and a winning team, they are selling out again.
hockeyfann (Posted 2008-08-20 17:02:53)
Well I hope it's nothing serious, but at the same time, not everyone wants to play hockey. Maybe it's just not for him. You just have to do what makes you happy. Money isn't everything. If I were in his position and I wasn't happy, then I'd walk away, too. Growing up, I was pretty good at a sport and even gotten offered scholarships, but I wasn't happy with playing because it really stopped being fun for me, so I just walked away, went to a university I wanted to go to, got involved with other things at university and I don't regret my decision one bit. Happiness > Money. When you're a kid, you pretty much play for fun. Even as an adult, it still can be fun for you, but it's not so much for other people. I really do wish him the best of luck in whatever he chooses to do. I know people are questioning it, but in the end, it's what HE wants to do. It's his life and no one else's.
Flyerfan52 (Posted 2008-08-20 16:36:32)
The article is about Legein. Not the Habs nor Preds. Whatever makes a 19 year old walk away is cause for concern. I hope it's nothing serious and that the decision works out well for him. Maybe he's just feeling burn out from hockey overload.
scotty87 (Posted 2008-08-20 16:29:44)
Martin's E-ratt: Im from the West Coast and I love making fun of the french just as much as the next Vancouverite or Calgarian, but only an ignorant southern American would say that 5 canadian teams crap. We are all dumber for having read your comment.
Martin's E-ratt (Posted 2008-08-20 16:14:12)
That's great dude! We're all very proud of you. Hamilton Tigers from 1920 to 1925. You just showed everyone how stupid you are. They were brought in from Quebec by the way. Hamilton had their shot!
scotty87 (Posted 2008-08-20 16:10:59)
BAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA I absolutely love hearing lowly preds fans talk proudly of how there "loyalty" is going to pull the predators through the hard times. HAHAHAHAHAHA WHAT A JOKE. Do you preds fans know nothing of how a business works? Clearly you dont, or you would not share this naive view that the preds are sticking around. I cant wait to hear what all the "loyal" nashville fans have to say when all they have to go do on game night is go line dancing. HA HA HA
Hab fan (Posted 2008-08-20 16:01:59)
All you Nashville and poor market fans, read this:
http://www.illegalcurve.com/2008/08/11/cold-hard-rants-the-sad-reality-of-southern-hockey/
Habfan (Posted 2008-08-20 16:00:09)
Hamilton had their shot? Sounds like another poor Nashville fan who has no knowledge of the NHL prior to 1998. The teams in Quebec and Winnipeg had to be moved because the Canadian dollar was so bad in comparison to the American dollar that they couldn't compete, despite having sold out crowds. Now that the dollar is on par, it is almost an even market. I would much rather a team in trouble that has great fans and support, rather than a team in trouble that has neither.
Sonner or later the NHL will smarten up or they will rid themselves of Gary Bettman, whichever comes first. Either way, the NHL will never thrive in the already poor markets. Carolina won the cup a mere 3 years ago, yet they are literally giving away tickets. It is an absolute joke, and makes our game look like one as well. And I don't think it's only Canadians who feel this way. Ask the majority of Boston, New York and Philly fans what they think.
Martin's E-ratt (Posted 2008-08-20 15:46:46)
Quebec City, Winnipeg, Hamilton all had their shots at it dude. Quit your whining. Balsille might have alot of money, but he isnt the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to buying an NHL team. As far as you Habs fans are concerned.......your'e not even part of Canada, stop the 6 teams in Canada crap..........Its 5 Canadian teams and one very confused province/country wannabe! Go Preds!
Habsfan (Posted 2008-08-20 14:40:30)
Patrick - You want to wait 30 years to see if the fan base can grow? I'm sorry, but the NHL cannot afford to stake out in useless markets for that long. The NHL isn't exactly booming in the states, and the majority of revenue comes from the 6 Canadian teams. Think about it, why would any business stay in a market that isn't successful, when a fan base and market further north would offer everything needed to be successful. It just doesn't make sense. Plus, no one cares about those teams except their own fans. Even that is minimal.
Flyer guy 16 (Posted 2008-08-20 14:35:06)
Thanks for clearing that up. Also, unless a player is the overwhelming number one pick with the world at his fingertips I don't buy a kid not playing because he doesn't like the team that drafted him.
Patrick (Posted 2008-08-20 14:29:08)
Can't hear this crap any longer about Nashville, Columbus, Atlanta etc. Habsfan (and any person who thinks the same way as he does), you might think you're a hockey expert because you're a fan of the most glorious hockey team of the world. But what you've said here so far is just ridicilous and a shame for every true fan of the game. Let's see if in Nashville something big can grow in the next 10, 20, 30 years and then make a conclusion if hockey works in non-traditional markets or not.
GoPreds (Posted 2008-08-20 14:17:44)
Seriously, give up the Hamilton shiz. The Preds aren't leaving. Take the Islanders, Thrashers, Coyotes, or some other team where the town could care less. Don't knock the Preds, their fans, or their organization before you come down and watch a game here. There is an incredibly loyal, loud, and present fan base here. But that base will be doubled or tripled in 5 years when the current youth generation (15-20 years old) can afford to buy season tickets. They are our biggest base as they have grown up on this team and have been playing hockey since they were 5 years old. Just like the Islanders won't matter overnight, neither will the Preds get that full-blown, Canadian-style support at the gates. But, it will happen.
Caz (Posted 2008-08-20 14:07:36)
Flyer Guy - Legein did play for Niagara. You're thinking of Mickey Renaud who was captain in Windsor. The Spits also have Josh Bailey and potential 2010 1st overall pick Taylor Hall.
Section325L (Posted 2008-08-20 14:07:01)
Nice to see how a topic spins into something else. I'm a Preds fan and for one of our fans to talk about a player just walking away from another team is a little hypocritical (Radulov). I'm sure it had alot more to it than the city of Columbus. Preds are going nowhere.....Hamilton, K.C., Vegas....... by the way, so get used to it. The local ownership and the city will make it work. Go Preds!
OHL (Posted 2008-08-20 14:01:28)
Mickey played for Windsor, Legion played for Niagra
Flyer guy 16 (Posted 2008-08-20 13:56:22)
I think I'm wrong about that. This kid plays for Niagara and I think I'm thinking of Windsor. Can someone out there clear this up?
Flyer guy 16 (Posted 2008-08-20 13:53:36)
I'm not sure, but doesn't this kid play on the same team that lost their captain last year? Something like that could make someone re think their future.
dave (Posted 2008-08-20 13:22:21)
i fully understand where he is coming from i think. He has lost the love for the game but it will comeback after a year or two away from it.
I wish they gave us the real reason for him retiring....i think the fans are entitled to it
Predators leave NHL (Posted 2008-08-20 13:19:30)
The Predators can't even back the house by givin away free playoff tickets and the Leafs who havn't made the playoffs in 3 years can fill the place every game with the tickets over 100$ each canadian. The Preds are better off in HAMILTON!!!
james (Posted 2008-08-20 13:13:15)
Comparing him to Ray Emery? The same Ray that went to the Cup final? You coulda picked a better player. How about Yashin? Yashin never tried after he got his fat contract. At least Emery tried. But what could i expect from you guys,eh?
Kevin (Posted 2008-08-20 13:13:00)
Hey PREDS FAN. Montreal will win 24 more cups before Nashville ever wins because you guys are only gonna be in the NHL for 2 more years!!!!!
Squonk (Posted 2008-08-20 12:48:58)
Stefan Legein who is from Oakville Ontario 'retires'? How long before Stefan Legein is declared a free agent under the conditions of the CBA as so he can sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team he wants to play for?
GoPreds (Posted 2008-08-20 12:36:22)
Okay, seriously, kids, does this really have to happen here? First off, let the kid make his decisions... Preds Fan12, I highly doubt it had to do with the fact he was a BlueJacket... he could have requested trades, etc. That point is moot. Secondly, HabsFan, let it go. Seriously. The Preds are a team in the NHL, and we are quite viable in my opinion. We have had a great past 4 seasons, and I do expect this one to be great, too, even with the much heightened Western and Central division. But, let's not start pulling crap. Preds Fan12, we really have NOTHING to say to any Habs fan... hello, the 80s? Honestly, these are two teams that have no business being compared. I honestly hope the Preds are around for another 50 years, and at that point, we can start comparing with the Habs. The Preds can compare themselves to the Atlantas, Carolinas, Columbus' and Minnesotas. We do match up nicely to those teams, though, I must say. Looking forward to this season. Shut up and drop the puck.
CBJFANJIM (Posted 2008-08-20 12:36:08)
What sport are there going to be palyoffs in Nashville in the year after next? The Preds will be gone from Nashville by then. Yes, you have HAD good teams, but nobody still comes out to see them.
Preds Fan12 (Posted 2008-08-20 12:27:01)
Hey Habsfan, your team of girls haven't won a Stanley Cup since the Preds came into the league, get used to it! Never make it past the west! You're the next Maple Laughs with a 40 year old cup drought coming your way! Hey Scott, we have one of the best d-cores in the league! You just wait, they'll be playoffs again this year in Nashville, just like next year and year after that! Can't say that in Columbus!
moonknight (Posted 2008-08-20 12:25:07)
How could anyone vilify the kid? You have to take the path in life you truly want and truly believe in. Yes, he's been drafted and given a wonderful opportunity that extremely few people get in life but if he has doubts whether or not a career in pro hockey is what he really wants then good for him stepping back from it now. Besides, i don't think any of this has been completely confirmed yet. We'll see what happens. But let's not use this news as an excuse to take shots at Columbus or start dredging up talk of players like Daigle.
John H. (Posted 2008-08-20 12:23:21)
Barring any major off-ice issues that would've prompted this decision, who wants to wager on the over-under as to when he decides he wants a shot at the NHL? I'll set the line at one year. Seriously, whether he's in Columbus or Nashville, only a chosen few get a shot at The Show, so it's curious why a skilled player would abruptly quit.
Scott MacDonald (Posted 2008-08-20 12:17:38)
Easy there "Predsfan"!! Heard of the expression...Don't throw stones when you live in a glass house? The Preds aren't exactly poised to light the NHL on fire.
Habsfan (Posted 2008-08-20 12:15:57)
Preds Fan - That's a stupid comment. I could say the same thing about Nashville, and actually have a better case because of the uncertainity related to the franchise. If fans are going to make fun of a team, it certainly doesn't mean much coming from a Nashville fan.
RangersFan (Posted 2008-08-20 12:12:18)
I just hope there is not more to the story.
Preds Fan12 (Posted 2008-08-20 12:06:13)
Whats the point in playing hockey if you never win anything? The kid rightly decided to quit now before wasting 15 years in Columbus never making the playoffs.
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