Forsberg

[newfiecomicguy1]

Have all injuries and poor showing over the past 2 season tarnished how people reflect on Forsberg's career? Forsberg was one of the better all around players for years but it seems like people forget that because of the past few seasons. I guess its similar to what Fedorov's career has experienced, fantastic early in their career but soon forgotten when they left the big teams.

 

[JohnnyDrama]

Eh he's not quite to Fedorov's level yet as far as tarnishing. He should be remembered for what he was in his prime: the best two-way player on the planet and arguably the best playmaker since Gretzky's prime.

 

[jmatchett]

Well, if you talk about consistency, that's one thing. But last season, he had what, 15 points in 11 games? Also, I had the privilege of watching him in Philly for 2 seasons. Even when he was about 80%, still one of the top-5 players in the league. He's like combining Crosby's playmaking game with Ovechkin's physical play (but obviously, not as fast or as young as them). Dude can still work magic. Problem is, HE'S healthy, but his foot is unfixable. Still a HOFer in my opinion.

 

[JohnnyDrama]

jmatchett is right on. He's been a solid player when in the lineup, but that part was a big task for him of late. I hope that this is his last try for both his personal health and his legacy.

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

Yes he was great but the question is - is he ruining his reputation as a player. Over the past few seasons at the beginning of the season and at the trade deadline there is always a pile of post about Forsberg, with most being negative. Do people forget how great he was back in his prime because of all the negative stuff surrounding him over the past few years. Like I mentioned earlier younger collectors/fans probably don't know how great Fedorov was while playing in Detroit.

 

[Nicktron]

I think he'll be remembered as one of the greats, but he'll probably just fade away similar to Bure. the only difference between the two being that Forsberg has a couple of Rings.

 

[Särås]

Nictron: Could be true...
To bad that Bure never get one of the Rings...
/J

 

[timber09]

I don't think that he is doing that any more than any other player when the get to retirement...I mean, how many players actually step out on their own terms at the top of their game, very few if any.

I think it shows him as a fighter and someone who loves the game enough to risk his own personal health to continue to play. I disagree that at 80% he's still one of the top five players in the league, that's not even close in my mind, but he can certainly contribute and make a team better in a number of different ways.

But as far as tarnishing his legacy goes - every player deteriorates as they get older - Chelios was a Norris Trophy winner and maybe the best defenseman in the league, do people forget that, sure - but they are going to forget it regardless of whether or not he hangs on a little longer than he should.

 

[JohnnyDrama]

I don't think that he is doing that any more than any other player when the get to retirement...I mean, how many players actually step out on their own terms at the top of their game, very few if any.

I think it shows him as a fighter and someone who loves the game enough to risk his own personal health to continue to play. I disagree that at 80% he's still one of the top five players in the league, that's not even close in my mind, but he can certainly contribute and make a team better in a number of different ways.

But as far as tarnishing his legacy goes - every player deteriorates as they get older - Chelios was a Norris Trophy winner and maybe the best defenseman in the league, do people forget that, sure - but they are going to forget it regardless of whether or not he hangs on a little longer than he should.

The injury is also something that obviously deteriorates his game but especially because takes away from an essential--skating. It's not like he's fighting off a shoulder problem here.

(off topic Forsberg note: he played the 1999 conference final vs Dallas with a separated shoulder, facing off against the physical duo of Richard Matvichuk and Derian Hatcher. Just shows how dangerous of a player he was.)

 

[bto3105]

He's too injury prone . One of the greatest of his era and to say his injuries put a black spot on a great career...Nah

He'll be in the Hall

 

[cburt]

Have all injuries and poor showing over the past 2 season tarnished how people reflect on Forsberg's career? Forsberg was one of the better all around players for years but it seems like people forget that because of the past few seasons. I guess its similar to what Fedorov's career has experienced, fantastic early in their career but soon forgotten when they left the big teams.

Maybe they have somewhat. I think his hobby love has gone down the past few years. Being injury proned and being everybody's favorite trade dealine rental player hasn't helped him. But overall, I think people will remember his legacy and all the good years he put out. He was revered as one of the best all round players for years, and not just in his early years.