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It’s Official: Chelios Won’t Be Back
by IwoCPO on 06/22/09 at 05:08 PM ET
Comments (52)
After a decade in Detroit and two Cups that should have been at least four, Chris Chelios is a Wing no longer.
Red Wings general manager Ken Holland met with 47-year-old defenseman Chris Chelios this afternoon and, as expected, told him the club will not offer him a contract for next season, ending the future Hall of Famer’s 10-year career in Detroit.
“He’s been a tremendous Red Wing; we’ve done a lot of winning with him in a Red Wings uniform,’’ Holland said. “He wants to play again. I really think he can help somebody, playing 10-15 minutes,playing in the 5-6 (defense spot), killing penalties, as a mentor and a role model to younger player. That was a part of his legacy in Detroit.’‘
You know where he’s going. I know where he’s going. We’ll see you six times next year Cheli. No doubt the Hawk fans will cheer you just as loudly as they’ve booed you the last decade.
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Comments
I wouldn’t exactly take the Habs out of the mix here, either.
Posted by HockeyinHD on 06/22/09 at 05:23 PM ET
I know that I can speak for all Hawks fans when I say, no thank you.
Posted by Patrick on 06/22/09 at 05:23 PM ET
I won’t miss him at this point. He never has felt quite right as a Wing… not Bertuzzi-Wrong, but Chelios-Wrong. He’ll always be a Hawk to me anyways…
Not to minimize his contributions. It’s just time. We just don’t need an older, slower version of Lilja on the ice next season… especially since we don’t really need the younger, almost-as-slow version that’s actually Lilja.
Posted by Primis on 06/22/09 at 05:23 PM ET
I think my favorite memory of Chelios is when he credited Scotty Bowman for bringing him out of Chicago and giving him a new life in Detroit. If he does go to Chicago again, it would make sense for him since one of his kids is going to MSU.
You’ll be missed, Cheli.
Posted by Hippy Dave from San Francisco by way of Detroit on 06/22/09 at 06:13 PM ET
+1. Thanks for the memories, Chelios.
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 06/22/09 at 05:27 PM ET
Hated him b4 he was a RW but appreciated him since. Good Luck Cheli
Posted by Trish from PalmBeachCntyFL on 06/22/09 at 05:33 PM ET
I will miss his mean and nasty. Good luck Cheli.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 06/22/09 at 05:42 PM ET
Always admired the guy, still do….
Thank you….and good luck.
Posted by HockeyTownTodd on 06/22/09 at 05:44 PM ET
On the other hand it would be funny to see him Kronwalled. Bitches.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 06/22/09 at 05:44 PM ET
I have sworn to not purchase anything from the NHL but now I’m going to have to hang up my Cheli jersey and replace it with #13.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 06/22/09 at 05:47 PM ET
It’s weird, I’ll miss him in a Wings sweater too.
As an Avs fan, he was a pain in my ass, but fun to watch at the same time.
He was a warrior. How many other guys, besides Howe, can say they played professional hockey being that close to 50?
Posted by AvsRock from My timeshare in insanity... on 06/22/09 at 05:47 PM ET
I am glad to see that he is finally not going to be resigned.
I wish he would become a Defensive coach! He should be a coach I think he would be a good one. He keeps insisting on playing though.
Posted by Jamie Favreau from Warren, MI on 06/22/09 at 05:55 PM ET
I will miss Chelios…I can remember the NHL trade deadline day in 1999 when the Wings picked him up, that was a crazy year. I never would have thought that Cheli would last this long in the NHL, and I bet he gets signed for another year.
I thought it was really classy of Holland to talk him up, too. He is saying to other GMs, “We aren’t signing him, but its not because he doesn’t have game. He has tons of it and he would be a good addition to a number of teams.”
Another thought: With this news, some scattered reports that the Wings low-balled an offer to Sammy that he turned down, and no offer tendered to Hudler yet (who may get an offer sheet after July 1st), its clear that the Wings are making room…the question is for who? I’m not sure they can make enough room for Hossa, but if the cap goes up $1 million or so, and they can cut some payroll down, they might be able to squeeze him in.
Posted by John from Pittsburgh, PA (Wings fan for life!) on 06/22/09 at 05:59 PM ET
I know that I can speak for all Hawks fans when I say, no thank you.
Posted by Patrick on 06/22/09 at 06:23 PM ET
All Hawks fans? I doubt that.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 06/22/09 at 06:01 PM ET
I met him as a Wing, so no problems.
Thanks Christos Kostas, we’ll (not) miss you.
Posted by Gustavo Sales de Albuquerque from Brazil on 06/22/09 at 06:03 PM ET
Another thought: With this news, some scattered reports that the Wings low-balled an offer to Sammy that he turned down, and no offer tendered to Hudler yet (who may get an offer sheet after July 1st), its clear that the Wings are making room…the question is for who?
Not neccesarily. If you look at their roster, they have 8 d-men under contract, meaning no room for Chelly, and even they simply can’t afford to keep their entire roster from last year.
Where did you hear they’re not going to tender an offer to Hudler? Not being confrontational, I just hadn’t heard that…
Posted by Garth on 06/22/09 at 06:07 PM ET
I saw this coming from a million miles away, but did not expect it to be so depressing. I would have loved Chelli to retire in the winged wheel. He was a big part of this team for some time but his age has caught up to him. Best wishes to him in the windy city, where he’ll assuredly end up.
In a highly related note, this has got to be the first major player - at least in recent years - that Tick Toc had to just simply let go… interesting.
Posted by CaptNorris5 from Chicago via Detroit on 06/22/09 at 06:12 PM ET
Where did you hear they’re not going to tender an offer to Hudler?
Posted by Garth on 06/22/09 at 07:07 PM ET
I’d like to know also.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa.-made in Detroit on 06/22/09 at 06:12 PM ET
Thanks to Mr. Chelios for all he provided during his tenure here. He will be missed. If the Hawks don’t sign him… it’s their loss. Montreal might actually be a better fit for him.
Posted by calquake on 06/22/09 at 06:23 PM ET
How many other guys, besides Howe, can say they played [in the NHL] being that close to 50?
I believe the answer to that question is zero. I changed the terms slightly due to “professional hockey” encompassing so many leagues.
Montreal might actually be a better fit for him.
Chicago seems like a good fit. Montreal would be so retro as to be surreal.
Another thought: With this news, some scattered reports that the Wings low-balled an offer to Sammy that he turned down, and no offer tendered to Hudler yet
It’s my understanding that due to the terms of the CBA the Wings are prohibited from signing any more players until next year’s cap is announced, or July 1, or something like that. It’s on the tip of my tongue, the 90% rule maybe?
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 06/22/09 at 06:47 PM ET
He’ll definitely be missed for his leadership and mentoring abilities, but I can’t say I’m bummed that I won’t have to be holding my breath every time I see him on the ice. I mean that with the utmost respect to him of course, and I hope he ends up back in Chicago.
Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 06/22/09 at 06:48 PM ET
Kostas Tselios, go to Chicago, teach Keith and Barker how to play…
...and in 10 years they’ll come to Detroit to win a Cup, like you did
Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 06/22/09 at 06:57 PM ET
Thanks for the memories, Cheli. You’ll be missed. (But not enough to actually make us wish that Tick-Tock had re-signed you.) I do hope Cheli’s Chili sticks around, though.
Posted by Bella on 06/22/09 at 07:34 PM ET
Damn. He’ll be missed in the organization. Won’t miss him on the ice however. Unfortunately for him, the game is to fast for him now.
Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 06/22/09 at 07:59 PM ET
Cheli’s Chili will be around, I’m sure. He has to be a little bummed, but probably knew it was coming. Of course, I’ll miss him in the wheel, but it will be interesting to see what he can do, what wisdom he can impart, playing alongside some younger guys on a regular basis again.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 06/22/09 at 08:21 PM ET
I wondered if I’d live to see the day, and I’m not yet out of my 20s. The man has been a hockey player for longer than I’ve been alive. I can’t blame Tick Tock for letting him go, especially given the cap problems he’ll have to deal with this summer. Still, Cheli’s earned the right to decide when he’ll stop playing, and I hope he finds an appreciative new home come July 1.
Posted by Bio on 06/22/09 at 08:41 PM ET
I knew this was bound to happen and I hope he leaves on good terms. I used to wish death on him when he was a Hawk and he really got my respect when he was the only player who spoke ill of Gary. Ass. during the lockout ; or was it the strike in 95 I can’t remember. Anyway, when he finally does hang ‘em up for good, I will feel old. We are the same age. I guess thats what happens when the current players are mostly a decade younger than us.
Posted by cigar_nurse from Greenville South Cakalakee on 06/22/09 at 08:53 PM ET
Honestly, while he will be missed on a purely emotional level, I think we all rationally believed that this would be the case for next year. There’s nothing to be sad about. He’s had a great career and a great run with Detroit. I would hate to see him play anywhere else, I wish he would stay on in Detroit as a defensive coach for the young guns coming up but I doubt he wants to hang up his skates yet. Either way, I wish him the best.
Posted by Jennemy of the Skate from putting the b*tches in the box on 06/22/09 at 09:19 PM ET
I just want to clarify, I have no special information about Hudler. But the Wings haven’t offered him anything, he hasn’t signed anything, and there has been no news on the Happy front.
I think he would be a prime target to be picked off by another squad given his offensive numbers, his age, and his price tag.
I am assuming that no new is bad news, that is all!
Posted by John from Pittsburgh, PA (Wings fan for life!) on 06/22/09 at 11:29 PM ET
On another note, does anyone actually know when the NHL is going to release the cap number? Is there a specific date when they will do it, or are we totally at the mercy of their whim?
Posted by John from Pittsburgh, PA (Wings fan for life!) on 06/22/09 at 11:33 PM ET
Good luck, Cheli.
God, he was a bastard, a pain in the ass, and a major thorn in my side when he was a Hawk. Just the kind of player you’d want on your team, so I was pretty impressed when he came to us in ‘99. Never thought he’d last this long, but given that he did, the trade was worth it. I also wish that he’d stick around to coach, but maybe he’s just too close to his playing career to do that. This year was the first that he really lacked a place, and keeping him cost us Quincey. Next year it just wasn’t going to work out, and I’m glad I won’t be seeing him on the ice, but not so glad I won’t be seeing him as part of the organization.
Hope this means that Kenny is confident that Lilja will be back.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 06/23/09 at 01:28 AM ET
He’s going east no doubt…but I expect the Rangers to be the stupidest enough team to sign him…if they have the cap space.
Posted by stoneman from Vegas on 06/23/09 at 01:49 AM ET
Last days in India people; then I return to wreak havoc on all you dirty whores.
Anyway, Cheli did indeed have a tremendous run as a Wing, but I’m not sure if it will be enough to make him choose the Winged wheel when heading into the HOF. You can only choose one jersey right?
Good luck you old bastard. I hope we beat you to every puck whenever we play you. I hope you are cheered at the Joe, or booed for the good old fun of hating you again.
Posted by Osrt on 06/23/09 at 03:18 AM ET
Welcome back, Osrt—hope the last few days in the homeland are treating you well. Don’t drink a bad lassi and get dysentery on the plane ride home. Sage advice. Good question about the HOF—he was on Cup-winning squads with the Habs and Wings, but always talks much more fondly about his second Cup because of having his family around him. But then, as a Chicagoan, captaining his hometown team to the Finals…that may mean much more to him.
One more thing—I’ll always remember and appreciate the way he stood up for the players, and the way he spoke his mind about Bettman, giving him and Saskin all the respect that they deserved. I hope some day he goes out in style—by pounding Gary’s face repeatedly against a brick wall.
Friday’s coming soon, and I have just one question: Who Would Jonny Ericsson Draft?
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 06/23/09 at 05:57 AM ET
Friday’s coming soon, and I have just one question: Who Would Jonny Ericsson Draft?
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 06/23/09 at 06:57 AM ET
With the 29th pick in the draft, Jonny Ericsson selects…his little brother, Optimus Prime.
Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 06/23/09 at 07:24 AM ET
I have sworn to not purchase anything from the NHL but now I’m going to have to hang up my Cheli jersey and replace it with #13.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 06/22/09 at 06:47 PM ET
Word-for-word as I would have said, Kate. Word-for-word.
Nothing but respect for the guy. Before the Wings, he was always a guy I didn’t like watching the Wings have to play against because he was such a hard worker and a good agitator. He’s definitely the kind of guy you want to see take some sort of coaching / NHLPA job after he retires because he knows so much about hockey and how to play it right.
Posted by J.J. from Kansas on 06/23/09 at 08:10 AM ET
Chelios did a great job in Detroit. We wouldn’t have reached the conference finals in 2007 without him.
On to other news, Khan(!) says Holland will talk this week with Hossa’s agent. I was conflicted about the whole Hossa or Sammy+Hudler debate, but someone commented on MLive that if he signs Hossa for $4 million for ten years, that gives you Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Cleary, Hossa, Franzen, Filppula, and Helm as your top seven players. Four of those players can play center. Yes we lose Sammy and Huds, but how can you say no to a top seven like that? I would sign Hossa, then add Leino with whatever cap space is available. Once that’s done, sprinkle in Draper, Maltby, Holmstrom and/or Abdelkader. I know Babcock has said Abby will be in GR next season, but if we lose Huds and Sammy, there’s a hole, assuming Kopecky isn’t resigned. Then I would go with a lineup like this:
Hossa Datsyuk Leino
Cleary Zetterberg Franzen
Holmstrom Filppula Abdelkader
Draper Helm Maltby
Sign Hossa, tell Leino to sign for $800K or so and he’ll see top two line minutes. I mean good lord, that’s still a Stanley Cup lineup, even without Sammy and Huds.
Posted by TDeters on 06/23/09 at 08:41 AM ET
I know that I can speak for all Hawks fans when I say, no thank you.
Posted by Patrick on 06/22/09 at 06:23 PM ET
Posted by Patrick as in Patrick Kane
Chelios brings maturity and experience, something the Hawks desperately need.
You should really work on keeping that mouthguard in otherwise you say stupid stuff.
Posted by pgoody on 06/23/09 at 09:15 AM ET
Chelios brings maturity and experience, something the Hawks desperately need.
To Hawks fans everywhere, but mostly Forklift: You sure you want Brian Campbell teaching your young defensemen what to do?
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 06/23/09 at 09:34 AM ET
All hands on deck 19. Anyone have a screen grab of the Crosby nut punch or dive from Maltby’s love tap?
A co worker left a picture of crosby sleeping with the cup on my monitor. It’s on.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 06/23/09 at 10:03 AM ET
Ahhh I put together a few good ones, no worries.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 06/23/09 at 10:15 AM ET
I know Babcock has said Abby will be in GR next season, but if we lose Huds and Sammy, there’s a hole, assuming Kopecky isn’t resigned. Then I would go with a lineup like this:
Hossa Datsyuk Leino
Cleary Zetterberg Franzen
Holmstrom Filppula Abdelkader
Draper Helm Maltby
Abby’s natural position is center isn’t it? Also, without Huds or Sammy, where are our right handed shots. And while I’d love that top 7 for sure, I’m not sure that the cap problems it could cause is worth it. All the offense in the world wont make up for problems on the blue line which could occur because we’re so close to the cap.
I’d rather see one of Hudler or Sammy go, Hossa go (unfortunately), and leave some cap room, or perhaps sign one of the FA Dmen out there.
Though, if by some stroke of miraculous genious Tick Tock is able to get Hossa for $4m… you just can’t pass that up. I don’t see it happening but if anyone can do it its Kenny.
In Holland We Trust…
Posted by CaptNorris5 from The Winged Wheel, stuck in Chicago on 06/23/09 at 10:21 AM ET
I always admired Chelios’ work ethic, even when he was a pain as a Hawk. Somone you hate to play against but love to have on your team. Good luck, Chelios wherever you go and thanks for the memories!
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 06/23/09 at 10:24 AM ET
On another note, does anyone actually know when the NHL is going to release the cap number? Is there a specific date when they will do it, or are we totally at the mercy of their whim?
CBA says no later than June 30.
Posted by monkey from here to Timbuktu on 06/23/09 at 11:27 AM ET
I think this has been a long time coming, it was understood at the beginning of the season that he wouldn’t be coming back. He’s kind of like a coach/player at the same time, he’ll be missed, no question about it.
Posted by Pat Canella from NHL Review on 06/23/09 at 01:19 PM ET
It will be a sad day for Geritol when Chelios finally hangs ‘em up for good.
Posted by rwhater on 06/23/09 at 02:00 PM ET
Last days in India people; then I return to wreak havoc on all you dirty whores.
Anyway, Cheli did indeed have a tremendous run as a Wing, but I’m not sure if it will be enough to make him choose the Winged wheel when heading into the HOF. You can only choose one jersey right?
Good luck you old bastard. I hope we beat you to every puck whenever we play you. I hope you are cheered at the Joe, or booed for the good old fun of hating you again.
Posted by Osrt on 06/23/09 at 04:18 AM ET
Have a safe flight, Osrt. Slainte.
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 06/23/09 at 02:07 PM ET
A friend of mine, from Red Wings Brasil, has just upload the greatest moment of Cheli with our shirt - beside that game 6 against the Canucks/ cup #10:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLBA2_Z1yRU
With the Red Wings in control with a two-goal lead, play continued to be chippy in the final minutes. Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios became enraged after Colorado’s Mike Keane ran into Hasek with 4:11 remaining.
Chelios repeatedly cross-checked Keane to the back, earning three minor penalties on the same play—two for delay of game and one for unsportsmanlike conduct. But Chelios was not done. He shouted at Keane and was sent to the locker room after picking up a 10-minute misconduct.
“Chelios wanted to show the rest of the team that you can’t have the goalie contact,” Detroit coach Scotty Bowman said. “(Hasek) hurt his leg a little bit.”
Posted by Juan Caballero from Paraguay on 06/23/09 at 02:39 PM ET
Posted by Juan Caballero from Paraguay on 06/23/09 at 03:39 PM ET
That was vintage Chelios, Juan. Thanks for the upload.
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 06/23/09 at 02:54 PM ET
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You’ll be missed, Cheli.
Posted by Hippy Dave from Portland by way of Detroit on 06/22/09 at 05:13 PM ET