Re-runs: Return of Sundin, Shanahan...... And Lemieux?

1) Firstly the 2 players most likely to see time in an NHL uniform this season. What we hear about Brenden Shanahan is that he wants to stay in the Eastern Conference. When the Rangers didn't work out he got a call from St. Louis, but he declined the offer, hoping instead to either hook on with his old team, The Devils, or perhaps in Philly. After the Brodeur injury Lamarello was cool to bringing yet another older forward (they already added Holik and Rolston in the off season) so that option seems to have fizzled. The Philly option remains viable and we could see movement in that direction before the month is over.

2) As for the other wayward son, Mats Sundin there does seem to be some real news (finally). The big Swede appears ready to resume play in the "next 2-3 weeks". The biggest question mark is where. Here is what we know for sure. Sundin will NOT be coming to NY. The Rangers have no interest, and would have to redo their roster to accommodate Sundin even at a reduced cost. The rumours we continue to hear is that Vancouver is the most likely destination for Mats. Their offer is still on the table, and they are one of only a few who have the available cap space available. Long shots remain the Leafs, and in a real surprise, the Lightning have recently inquired about Mats joining the circus in Tampa Bay!

3) In a bizarre turn of events apparently Claude Lemieux the four-time Stanley Cup Champion and former Conn Smythe Trophy winner has joined the Central Hockey League's Arizona Sundogs for formal on-ice workouts in late October. Since September, Lemieux expressed interest in making a return to the National Hockey League. Lemieux now 43, won four Stanley Cup Championships with three different teams (Montreal in 1986, New Jersey in 1995, Colorado in 1996, and again in New Jersey in 2000) during his 20 seasons in the NHL. A veteran of nearly 1,200 NHL games, Lemieux won the Conn Smythe trophy while with New Jersey in 1995, In 1197 regular season NHL contests, the Buckingham, Quebec, native registered 379 goals, 406 assists and 1756 penalty minutes (PIM).

4) Known best for his postseason heroics, Lemieux added 80 goals, 78 assists and 529 PIM in 233 playoff appearances and ranks among the league’s all-time best in several playoff categories. His 233 playoff appearances rank tied for fourth all-time and his 80 career playoff goals rank ninth all-time. Lemieux also ranks third all-time in career playoff game-winning goals (19) and career PIM (529). So the question is, does he have anything left in the tank to make an NHL team? Based upon what we saw of him when he last played in 2002-03 splitting his final season with the Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars He won't make it!! Sorry Claude.

5) So what do we make out of all this discussion? Firstly Sundin Might have an effect in the right situation. Maybe not a deal breaker, but he could compliment a team in need of offensive depth. The other two, especially Lemieux have long passed their primes. Its time for Shanny (a certain Hall of Famer) to hang em' up. He had a decent season last year, but mainly on the PP. At 5-5 he was a detriment. As for Claude. The game passed him by 5 years ago. To turn back the clock a decade is unrealistic/difficult enough for the best players, but near impossible for someone who got the most of his ability when he was younger, let alone at age 43! By the way, any recent Jason Allison rumours from Eklund? LOL