Six players who may have played their last NHL game

Are there any more that you think should be on this list?

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HockeyFeed
Published 3 years ago
Six players who may have played their last NHL game
© Richard Ulreich/CSM via ZUMA Wire

While many hockey fans are hopeful that the 2019-20 season will resume at some point, the stark reality is that may not be possible. With medical officials stating that normalcy will not return until a COVID-19 vaccine is found, we may even be looking at issues beginning the next season, let alone finishing this one. With that in mind, The Score took the time to make a list of six NHL players who may have played their last NHL games. Here’s a look:

Justin Williams – Carolina Hurricanes

There was speculation Williams was already done with the NHL when he announced before the 2019-20 season began that he was “stepping away from the game” to contemplate his NHL future. He returned near the beginning of the new year but managed to get in just 20 games before the NHL suspended play. Williams has little to prove, though. “Mr. Game Seven” is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and a Conn Smyth Trophy Winner. If this is the end of the line, the 38-year-old can hold his head high on his way out.

Ryan Miller – Anaheim Ducks

He’s never won a Stanley Cup, but Miller has had an excellent career all the same. He’s a Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL’s top goalie and a multiple-time All-Star. At 39, his starter days are behind him, but he could still serve as a solid backup if he chooses. Time will tell.

Brent Seabrook - Chicago Blackhawks

Once considered one of the best defenders in the league, time hasn’t really been kind to Seabrook. The 35-year-old had seen a steady decline in his play over the last few seasons. On top of that, he underwent three surgical procedures - one on his right shoulder and one on each hip - at the beginning of 2020.He, of course, has three Stanley Cup rings, all with the Chicago Blackhawks so despite the decline, he’s had an excellent career.

Craig Anderson – Ottawa Senators

He is the winningest goaltender in the history of the Ottawa Senators. But, at 39, it looks like Marcus Hogberg is ready to take over the starter role for the Sens and that leaves Anderson as the odd man out. While Anderson has stints with the Florida Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche, he will always be known for his time in Ottawa.

Mikko Koivu - Minnesota Wild

Like Seabrook, Koivu has been dealing with a steady decline in his play the last few seasons. The 37-year-old is on the last year of his contract and the only way the Minnesota Wild would consider re-signing him would be at a large discount. If 2019-20 was indeed his last season, he’ll leave as the franchise's all-time leader in games played, points, and assists, with each of those records far from being threatened.

Jay Bouwmeester - St. Louis Blues

This is one we hate to see but given the fact that many feared for his life when he collapsed on the bench during a game against Anaheim in February, it’s just good to hear that he’s recovering and doing well. After 16 seasons in the NHL, Bouwmeester did get to lift the Cup with the St. Louis Blues last season. We can’t imagine a better career highlight than that.

 

 

Source: The Score