Reports: Messier expected to retire

 

TSN.ca Staff with files

 

9/10/2005 2:49:16 PM

 

It looks like the 2005-06 NHL season will begin without the league's second-leading scorer of all time.

 

According to the New York Post, Mark Messier is done playing after 25 seasons in the NHL.

 

Other newspaper reports say that the future Hall of Famer will not be reporting for a training camp physical with the New York Rangers on Monday, and may take the opportunity to announce his retirement from hockey.

 

Messier, who turns 45 in January, has not officially informed the Rangers of his decision.

 

His NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks has been decorated with endless awards, trophies and international accolades.

 

Messier, who in 1994 captained the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years, has played 1,756 NHL games, second by 11 games to Gordie Howe's 1,767. He ranks seventh on the all-time goals list, third with 1,193 assists and second behind long-time teammate Wayne Gretzky with 1,887 points.

 

Messier is a two-time Hart Trophy winner as the league's most valuable player, has appeared in 15 All-Star Games and was a member of six Stanley Cup-winning teams.  He is the only player to captain two different teams to championships.

 

Messier's most recent NHL appearance in April of 2004 may have been his last, as he left the ice at Madison Square Garden with applause and cheers from teammates, family, friends, fans and even the visiting Buffalo Sabres.

All I can say is DAMN. I would have liked it if he went out with a bang after this year to see him one more time but it is his decision and his accomlishments will always be remembered.

Edited September 11, 200520 yr by Ozzie Montana

Now that Messier's retiring, which pro athlete looks most like Frankenstein?

If Lance Armstrong returns to the Tour de I-Don't-Care, I'd select him.

This was about 5-6 years late for messier... wasn't very useful on the ice.

Messier is one of the 10 hockey players I know, it'll be sad to see him go.

It's official. He gawn.

Many NHL players are retiring it seems.

well Scottie Stevens said that the year away from the game made him realize he didnt want to take anymore punishment and spend more time with his family. If you already have the Fame, glory, money - what incentive is there to return?

 

just a thought

well Scottie Stevens said that the year away from the game made him realize  he didnt want to take anymore punishment and spend more time with his family. If you already have the Fame, glory, money - what incentive is there to return?

 

just a thought

 

Same thought Barry Sanders had a while back.

Messier was a grinder 4th line guy who MADE himself achieve greatness. He worked his ass off for everything he had in the NHL and was a great citizen to boot.

 

, Mark. You will be missed.

Ron Francis retires. No big surprise to this Hurricanes fan.

 

to a good guy and player.

 

Francis was a part of Stanley Cup-winning teams in Pittsburgh in 1991 and 1992, and helped the Hurricanes make a surprise run to the Cup finals in 2002.

 

Edited September 14, 200520 yr by Queen Prawn

Messier was a grinder 4th line guy who MADE himself achieve greatness.  He worked his ass off for everything he had in the NHL and was a great citizen to boot.

 

, Mark.  You will be missed.

 

 

Favorite Messier memory. 1994 playoffs when he guaranteed victory against the NJ Devils then went out and scored a hat trick to back it up and lead the Rangers to victory.