Farewell tour in 2010-2011?

I don’t think he knows, so when he signs for one year, he’ll play for that one year and see how he feels afterward. He’s not going to mislead anyone by signing a two year/three year deal – Kenny Holland wouldn’t want it, Nicky wouldn’t do it and neither one would do it to the fans. I think all it says is that he’s gonna go one year at a time from this point forward.

I don’t think we’re looking at another Chelly (though who doesn’t love the dude for playing into his late 40s?), but if Nicky can skate, his stick is the best to EVER play the game (on D), so he’ll have a roster spot just cuz he says so.

Just my two pennies worth..

Smitty

From some of the quotes I’ve seen, he also sounds like he’s not finished accomplishing everything that he wants to.

It looks to me like he’s breathing down the back of some records. I remember seeing the leaders of something and I could’ve sworn he was just behind Mario for whatever it was. I don’t think this will be his last year, but will play it by ear for two years (maybe three if we’re lucky). I think we’ll see the last of him in 2012 to fulfill that Aztec end of the world shit.

…when I got to the Farve comment. Rip on him all you want (I did too, for about the first half of the season) but the man did have (I believe) the best year of his life, at least statistically.

That said, I think I agree with the basic idea that Lids probably isn’t the kind of guy (like Chelios, as Kendal already mentioned) who will keep playing until he can’t walk. I say it’s 50-50 as to whether or not he’ll return after ‘10-’11, unless we win a Cup in which case I’d guess he’d probably retire. I think I’d be okay with that, but at the same time I wish the man could play forever. Somehow.

Whatever ends up happening, I’m glad he came back for one more year. We got gypped hardcore by injuries during the regular season, and downright mind-blowing officiating in the WCSF. I know this was supposed to be a ‘rebuilding’ year and all, but I still say we could have gone all the way and I think everyone in the locker room thinks so too.

I think he wants to not find himself stuck playing a year longer than he wants to (with a two-year contract, for example), or retiring mid-contract and sticking Detroit with the cap hit. Also, if he decides year to year if he is returning or not, no one will be sure if this is his last year so he can avoid sappy “last visit of one of the best defensemen in hockey history” recognitions at different arenas.